I have sat by and listened as people in our community talk about how “we don't need to spend money on a new library” or “I don't want my tax dollars spent for a new building when there's nothing wrong with the one we have.” However, I believe otherwise and would like to share the many reasons why I feel a new library would be a benefit to Russellville and Logan County.

I have always enjoyed reading books. For this reason, I am in the library at least twice each week. There's not one author than I prefer more than another, although I do have my favorites; yet almost every time I walk into the library one of the employees is quick to suggest a new book that they just know I will love. Without the library I would not be able to read all of these books because I wouldn't be able to buy them. Another plus is that if our library doesn't have a book, the staff will call another library to find it and will do an inter-library loan so that I can read it. Also when new books are about to come out, the library will put your name on a list to reserve a book so that you can be one of the first to read it.

Besides books, the library also offers movies that can be checked out, story time, reading programs and other educational opportunities for children and adults, and use of the computer and internet services. All of the employees are extremely helpful and go out of their way to ensure that the patrons are well taken care of. I, for one, appreciate everything they do.

I have no idea how many people use the library on a daily, weekly, monthly or even yearly basis, but I do know that it is always busy, sometimes to the point of being crowded, and there is never enough room to park. Even though people can park on the street, it becomes dangerous with the multitude of cars driving up and down Sixth Street. There is also no way to safely drop books off in the depository because it is either on the opposite side of the street or on the passenger side of the car. This is not convenient for anyone and could be made so much better if we had a newer, bigger library with plenty of parking spaces and a book drop-off which allows for through traffic.

If you've never used the library or it's been a while since you have paid them a visit, check out all their programs, talk with the employees, and see what all they have to offer to the citizens of Russellville and Logan County. Then, you will agree that a new library is definitely what we need!