Submitted by Tolu olorunda on Wed, 04/30/2008 - 11:49pm.
MFP Tags: Public Library, Muncie Public Libraries, Mike Pence, Evan Bayh, Richard Lugar, Education, Washington Carver Elementary School, Property tax caps, Effects of Iraq WarTopics: Politics
MFP Tags: Public Library, Muncie Public Libraries, Mike Pence, Evan Bayh, Richard Lugar, Education, Washington Carver Elementary School, Property tax caps, Effects of Iraq WarTopics: Politics
Guns vs. Books
As an avid and voracious reader, I am deeply saddened by the reality that Muncie might be losing one of its public libraries, due to underfunding, budget-reduction and property tax caps. I cannot undervalue the immense impact, which the Muncie public library structure has had on my intellectual life. Newslink Indiana broke the story today, with the Public Relations Manager for Muncie Public Libraries saying, “The libraries could be losing half a million dollars next year and as much as one million dollars by 2010.” This economical burden is by far and large, too costly and weighty for an institution supported by public and governmental funding. If this moral-disgrace doesn’t challenge the notion of “staying the course in Iraq,” I quite frankly don’t know what will. The closing of Washington Carver is another undeniable effect of a foreign policy that has wreaked massive havoc within the most rural of communities nationwide. If the systems of Education and inspiration are eliminated, what lies ahead for a handicapped economy? It appears to me, that the reality which confronts us is one we cannot afford to neglect.
Public Libraries are the pinnacle of intellectual stimulation in any community. An appreciation of the benefit of this institution is most appropriate, not a dismissal of the contribution, or a disregard for its addition. Each and every time I walk into any branch of the Muncie Public Library, I am aghast at the relentless and impassioned labor of its often under-paid employees/volunteers, who stop at nothing to meet the satisfaction of customers/visitors. I ask with regret and lamentation; this is how we repay them?! To call this a moral outrage is an understatement; indeed it reeks of governmental stolidity. I am appalled at the level of apathy displayed by local elected officials, who see their post as nothing short-of a public office. At what point does the frustration of an electorate reach a tipping point? That’s for you to know, and for me to guess.
The Library is currently asking for feedback from the community, to assess the potential damage of a branch-closure. The Library also requests the support of community readers (of which I’m one), to vocally rally against this assassination of educational possibilities. “Children are the future”, is an overtly-exploited traditional adage which has failed to live up to its promise. For while it is cozy and attractive to regurgitate this phrase, the actions that implement and transform it into fruition are rarely rendered. I remind readers that such display of unintelligence is an inescapable tragedy, joined-at-the-hip of the future foundation-layers: Our children.
I urge everyone to make calls and send out emails to the offices of Senators’ Mike Pence, Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar. This way, a massive concern for the Public Library’s albatross can force the officials to see the severity in being closed-mouthed to such a thought-provoking subject matter. I also urge everyone reading this letter, to contact the Muncie Public Library, and express an undiluted show of gratitude and appreciation for their immeasurable contribution to our society. Finally, for the “financially stable”, I entreat you to give as much as you can to save an intricate part of our life. Thank you so much for your concern. The fight must go on. Peace!
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 Libraries, like our
Libraries, like our schools, have diminishing numbers of users; due mainly to Disruptive Technology and the growing number of Home / Personal computers, lap tops, and digital assistants, not to mention a mind numbing amount of software that puts nearly all the recorded history of mankind at our fingertips with just a few searches and a download that take a fraction of the time it would take to go to the library and check out books and return them.
At one time not long ago I was a big fan of the Library; until they turned it into the local baby sitting service for latch key kids after school.
It had the promise of being the cutting edge of adult continued life long learning and advanced technical studies; but the priority whent to the kids to play games, and chat across the room on and between friend elsewhere. The business section almost disappeared, the quite is gone long ago, and more and more I just don't feel welcome there. I feel out of place, and I can honestly say getting my own personal computer is one of the best things I could have done in the past seven years.
With budget cuts as they are and the real need to downsize with a dwindling population? The area Libraries will like the rest of us have to make the hard choices. Or like the TV tubes, they will be replaced by the digital revolution as our State, County and City struggle to drag us into the 21st Century. The Library must change to meet the current abilities of the Population to support what will be left to support.
Randall L. Jacobsen Sr.
Proprietor
Sow N Sews Custom Sewing N Repairs
and Army Navy Surplus Of Muncie
and Chaplain, M.O.R.E. Ministries, American Legion Post19
To volunteer 47305; That
To volunteer 47305; That nevertheless doesn't jsutify the naked-negligence and apathy being displayed on the path of the general public and local elected officials.
 OK, Naked -Negligence?Â
OK, Naked -Negligence? Please be specific as to what you consider Naked-Negligence. Feel free to elaborate and be as specific as you wish. I am ready to be enlightened.
I think, I understand what passes for Apathy being displayed toward the mis/dis-use of some of the Local Libraries.
Also which "Path" would that be? Please? If you are talking Collection and Distribution of Taxes? I think I will have to remain skeptical.
Randall L. Jacobsen Sr.
Proprietor
Sow N Sews Custom Sewing N Repairs
and Army Navy Surplus Of Muncie
and Chaplain, M.O.R.E. Ministries, American Legion Post19
Naked Negligence is a
Naked Negligence is a reference to MPL members like myself, who have benefited immensely over the years, from the labour and sacrifice of the library, but show no support to it, at its most vulnerable hour. The same can also be said vis-a-vis elected officials, who are blatantly disconnected from the public. You see it in their voting records, and their nonchalance towards the everyday person's albatross. Did Pence, Lugar or Bayh release a statement when Washington Carver was announced to be closing down this year, due to under-funding and under-performance? NO! That is an unadulterated form of apathy being displayed, and regardless of what you feel vis-a-vis the public's lessening of concern for education, the public libraries and public schools are the bedrock of any community. If they fail, we're fu@$ed!
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