Thursday, January 25, 2007
Monrovia School Link ~ Number 185 ~ January 24, 2007
Last issue I suggested that while I think I'm in favor of the proposed new and larger library, I wish that there would be more books in it. I said I'd get rid of a lot of the computers if we could get books instead. In response I got this thoughtful letter from Gail LaBeau, which I'm happy to publish here.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Gail LaBeau
In answer to your concerns about the library and especially the computer section, I have a few thoughts. There is always a backlog of people waiting to use the computers. You are right about your comments on television but do remember that almost no one in this country is without a television but many people do not have a computer. Many of my students are without computers and some have them but cannot afford internet access. These kids have to depend on the library for research from books as well as the internet. Many of the computers are used by the elderly who don’t own a computer or don't know how to use them without assistance.
I agree that books are the most important commodities in a library but some people have to be helped to be able to read those books and our literacy programs often have to meet out on a bench in the park because we have no room inside the library.
Many people enjoy reading while in the library, especially our senior citizens. All of the comfortable seating has been removed in order to install more book stacks.
In the future should we need more room for books, we will be able to put stacks around the large entry way. We intend to do some of this right from the beginning. We will feature bestsellers and new releases and this will free up quite a bit of shelf space.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
Last issue I suggested that while I think I'm in favor of the proposed new and larger library, I wish that there would be more books in it. I said I'd get rid of a lot of the computers if we could get books instead. In response I got this thoughtful letter from Gail LaBeau, which I'm happy to publish here.
~ brad@sacklunch.net
By Gail LaBeau
In answer to your concerns about the library and especially the computer section, I have a few thoughts. There is always a backlog of people waiting to use the computers. You are right about your comments on television but do remember that almost no one in this country is without a television but many people do not have a computer. Many of my students are without computers and some have them but cannot afford internet access. These kids have to depend on the library for research from books as well as the internet. Many of the computers are used by the elderly who don’t own a computer or don't know how to use them without assistance.
I agree that books are the most important commodities in a library but some people have to be helped to be able to read those books and our literacy programs often have to meet out on a bench in the park because we have no room inside the library.
Many people enjoy reading while in the library, especially our senior citizens. All of the comfortable seating has been removed in order to install more book stacks.
In the future should we need more room for books, we will be able to put stacks around the large entry way. We intend to do some of this right from the beginning. We will feature bestsellers and new releases and this will free up quite a bit of shelf space.
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com
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