Save the Taylor Library

My mom recently informed me that some councilman of my town had suggested closing a library I grew up in. I, and many others, have decided to write letters of protest. I hope you choose to do the same.

Here is mine:

April 4, 2013

Mr. John P. Anderson
Town Administrator
Town of Derry
14 Manning Street
Derry, New Hampshire 03038

Dear Mr. Anderson,

It has come to my attention that you have suggested closing the Taylor Library.  As a future young adult librarian, I was disheartened to hear this news.  I grew up in East Derry and frequented the Taylor Library as a child.  My many visits and experiences there helped me determine my career path at a young age.  Even when I visit today, the librarians who run the small library recognize me.  The Taylor Library is an important piece to the Derry community and should not be closed.

That the town continues to place unimportant projects instead of supporting places of education frustrates me.  While the town frequently spends money on improving roads that need not be improved, the schools, libraries, and museums in the town suffer.  Now it has come to closing one of these beloved and historical locations at the cost of educational progression.  The Taylor Library is a great alternative for members of the community who live in East Derry and either cannot or do not wish to travel to the Derry Public Library.

Though some may argue that libraries are irrelevant in today’s society, this is a falsehood.  Libraries are more relevant than ever.  With the influx of information due to technological advances, it is not only helpful but necessary to have places of organized information.  The Taylor Library is one such place.

In addition to serving as an excellent place of education and events for children and adults, the Taylor Library is a wonderful historical building in a convenient location.  The area offers a relaxing cemetery in which to read books patrons have borrowed from the library, a convenience store to buy a drink or snack, and plenty of outdoor space.  However, these places may suffer a decline in visits should the library be closed.  Furthermore, as I am sure Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other groups meet at the church across the street from the library, I am positive that the library is frequently sought out by parents who would rather wait for their child nearby than drive home only to drive back out.

To close the Taylor Library would be an affront to the librarians who work there, children who learn there, parents who relax there, and the community which surrounds it.  Please reconsider your suggestion and choose to support the library, rather than dismiss it.

Thank you,

Abby Hargreaves

The Taylor Library

Taylor Library Image courtesy of Taylor Library Website.

For more information regarding the issue at hand, visit The Eagle Tribune.