Elected officials have tarnished the role of government in our lives. These elected officials have brought great wealth for the few and a decreasing standard of living for those who followed the rules. They argue daily over how much more they can take away from the working class. We forget what government can do and do better than any other organization. The Cleveland area benefits from government in at least two areas. We have enviable parks and a renowned library system.
Since my third grade teacher took our class to the local library to get cards, I have had books on borrow. In the summer I try to go downtown several times a month. No matter if I am going to the farmers market on Public Square, a movie at Tower City, or lunch at Colonial Arcade, I visit CPL. I discover new authors or find the latest edition of favorites. Before I had cable TV and DVR I borrowed from a huge selection of videos. When I had a long drive I could always find talking books in various formats.
When I was working on my doctorate, CPL actually purchased an obscure book I needed. Where CSU lacked CPL took over. Today I use the electronic resources for research and for browsing and placing holds on books. I have no idea which taxes I pay go toward the library or how much, but is money well spent. I would gladly vote yes on any library levy.
With the two buildings and the pocket park it is campus like. At present I am not pleased with having new fiction in the new building and the fiction stacks in the old. I may find a new Jonathon Kellerman then have a too long trek to find previous works.
I hear that the board has requested some rearranging and hope that all popular fiction can be placed together. Even if they do not I can save my steps by having the old Kellerman novels held for me at the check out desk. Then take my copy to the pocket park as Kellerman solves another murder in faraway Los Angeles.