Rise and Shine --- Thanks for the library

Good Morning and welcome to a nicer (temperature-wise) day!

Once again, the state budget is coming down to the deadline. There will be cuts as each side of the aisle tries to push its agenda. Like last year, it looks like the our state reps won't get the budget done on time and services will start to fall off.
One of those services will probably the local library. They already lost funding after last year's budget fiasco and will probably be cut again.
It's a shame.
Yeah, I know we are getting all digital and everything, but there is something special about a library. The thousands of books on the shelves offer different worlds, different writing, different lives.
It's easy to escape into a television world. It takes effort to fall into a book.
During the summer, the library is even more important.
Just this week, one of the boys is taking part in the 'Science in the Summer' program. He's learning about chemistry.
At first, it was a fight. "I don't want to go." "I want to watch TV." "I hate the library."
After the first class Monday came this: "Wow. That was a lot of fun."
To lose these types of programs would be a shame and short-sighted.
Sure, it might make the budget look better this year, but we would miss it in the end.

Rise and Shine --- Save the libraries

Good Morning and welcome to Seattle!

Took in a fantastic show Wednesday night.
The Lansdowne Library kicked off it's summer reading program with a very enjoyable performance from Segal Puppets.
Performing what was called the Silly Side Show Circus, the show kept young and old (me) in stitches. It was funny. It was poignant.
It also didn't cost a dime.
Even with all the digital media out there, the library is still a safe haven. Where else can you pick up today's best-seller and take in a puppet show at one place. OK, Borders may bring in puppets once in a while or hold story times, but you are inundated with "buy, buy, buy."
The unfortunate part of this is the libraries may not survive. Or at least may not survive in their current forms.
The current state budget proposal calls for massive cuts in the funding of libraries. Anywhere from $1 million to $8 million (depending on the GOP and Democratic proposals) will be lost.
That means no more puppet shows. No more summer programs for children.
Eventually, it could mean no more books.
Now, look, many of you may be saying 'So what. I don't need the library.' To which I say, 'Go check it out.' I guarantee you'll spend an hour finding something new.
Even if you don't have any interest in the library, you can still help out. Just send a letter to your local legislator. It only takes a minute to keep somebody smiling.


If you have any cool links or photos, send them along to onlinedelco@gmail.com