Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation.
—Walter Cronkite
A large library renovation project is up for debate at our Town Meeting this morning. I plan to speak in favor of the article along these lines, though my opinions below certainly apply to libraries more generally.
As I look around this room—at all of us gathered here together for the purpose of governing our town—it strikes me as remarkable that we, as New Englanders, have been successfully implementing this form of self-governance for hundreds of years.
Now—to me—a key to that success is a governing body that is educated, curious, and appreciative of each individual’s duty to the community.
The library fosters just these qualities, especially in your children and young adults. The library stocks enough books for a lifetime of reading, to be sure, but beyond that the library represents the fundamental importance we place on shared knowledge. It is a community of learning and entertainment open to everyone who enters through its doors.
This is an essential investment in the future of our community. If nothing else, we have an opportunity here to create a safe, welcoming space for our youngest citizens to learn, and develop the skills and mindset they will need to grow into our best adult citizens—the future stewards of our community.
The returns on that investment alone will more than justify every dollar spent.
Matt's Blog 
Leave a comment