Published July 25, 2004 in the Hibbing Daily Tribune
Books don’t talk.
On one hand, that’s probably a good thing. Tom Clancy novels would drone endlessly about the firing capabilities of two slightly different fighter jets. Romance books would surely blurt out something awkward the night the minister comes to visit.
But on the other hand, if books could talk they might say something to set our priorities straight. It’s easy to take something for granted when it’s been thriving for a long time. For local residents, the Hibbing Public Library has been a tremendous asset for the community – not just for books, but for services, meeting places, Internet access and myriad other things.
But as is the case in Chisholm and towns across the Range, the library has a hard time during a climate of local government aid cuts and shrinking city funds. When it comes time to allocate the remaining money, cities often look past the library and the crucial role it plays in bridging the gap between rich and poor in our community.
The Iron Range economy has struggled in recent years. Those who have been looking for work know they have two options – go back to school or look for jobs. Both functions become difficult without access to newspapers, the Internet and research material. On all fronts, public libraries provide hope for citizens who can’t afford such things in their own homes.
Library Director Terry Moore says the library sustained a massive budget cut, about $80,000, in 2003, forcing a smaller book budget, a reduction in staff size and an end to library funded subscriptions (However, many subscriptions are maintained through generous donations). Though about $7,000 of the money was returned in 2004, most cuts were made permanent.
Moore said one of the most notable cuts is the size of the new book purchasing budget. The library cannot purchase as many books as before, offering fewer options for people – especially low income people – who rely on the library for reading and learning.
Fortunately, the library hasn’t had to reduce its hours of operation, but if any more cuts are imposed, it might have to consider that option – something the city of Virginia has already done to the chagrin of residents there.
Books don’t talk, so they can’t complain.
The other thing books don’t do is pay Public Utilities Commission bills. That’s significant because PUC customers will have an opportunity in August to do something. When you pay your bill, you can check a box to donate $5 (or more) to the public library to help buy more new books and improve library services.
Setting aside $5 a small thing, but if enough people do it, big things can be accomplished.
Yes, the state government (by way of local government aid) and the city government (by way of budgeting) should provide the funding for basic things like a health book budget, subscriptions and community access to the library, but it appears they’re not going to come through for us – at least, not yet. Perhaps the people of Hibbing will.
If books could talk, they’d tell you to consider it. Right after they reminded you not to fold their pages.
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist for the Hibbing Daily Tribune.