Letter: Vote to support West Richland Library

In the past, libraries were a place where whispering was the norm. That is no longer the case. Libraries are now an integral part of our community. The West Richland branch of the Mid Columbia Library (MCL) is a town center — a space available for everyone to not only find books, but to also attend community events.

For children there are twice-weekly story times, the LEGO club, the Paws to Read program, and more. Adults events include trivia nights, author events, an art club, etc. Even if you only use of a small fraction of the items and activities available through the library, you’re receiving a bargain.

Current funding sources have become insufficient to maintain a new contract with MCL. Restructuring funding from utility taxes to property taxes is proposed to assure continued funding of the West Richland branch to accommodate the needs of our growing community. This is not only a decision on how to fund the library, but also a decision on whether to choose the only viable method to keep our library open rather than lose this vital community center.

Please approve Proposition 16-10 to assure MCL will remain a positive asset in our community.

This story was originally published October 30, 2016 at 4:47 AM with the headline "Letter: Vote to support West Richland Library."