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No question, libraries are valuable

To the editor:
There is no question, libraries are a very valuable resource that affect many lives in a positive manner. Indeed, taxpayers do get a big bang for their buck, a very good long-term investment.
To prove a point, libraries have been extremely important and an integral part of my life and our entire family. I am nearly 72 years old. My parents were very poor farmers during the depression. I remember having the Bible, Farmer magazine and the local newspaper in our home. My early love for reading and learning were enhanced by library books. During all of my school and college years money was very scarce. The library again gave me an opportunity to keep reading, expand my interests and knowledge plus helping with assignments, research, etc. While I was teaching, libraries were important to me and also to my students.
When we were blessed with children at a very early age, again trips to the library for books, programs, etc. were routine in our lives. As they grew older libraries continued to be an excellent resource for them. Along came grandchildren who went there with me and also their families took advantage of the many more things now available at the libraries. I remember taking grandchildren to the library to use the computer because at that point in time personal computers were not an option for their families.
In 1989, my husband had to retire due to disabilities. He is an avid reader and has been taking full advantage of our North Branch Library. He has had seven surgeries plus an unusual type of stroke. Reading was even more valuable during recovery from these health problems. I also have been able to utilize libraries effectively both personally and professionally.
It is so important to keep your mind stimulated as you are aging and reading plus the other resources at the library are an excellent means to do this. The library system is very worthwhile to all ages and abilities.
Betty Stoffel
North Branch

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