By Chris Springer

For The Vidette

Montesano was recently threatened with the prospect of losing our local library. While this idea was properly dismissed by the Board of Trustees, it has provided an opportunity to reflect on why we want a library in our community.

In the February issue of Social Science Research, Patrick Flavin of Baylor University has an interesting article entitled “State Government Public Goods Spending and Citizens’ Quality of Life,” in which he looks at several metrics that people use to determine their quality of life. What he found is that people in communities that invest in libraries report more happiness and a greater quality of life than people in communities that do not make the investment.

We are not talking about a small difference in quality of life either. Flavin argues that it is the same quality of life discrepancy as moving from a below average family income to an above average family income. Such a large difference in quality of life lets you know that the private sector cannot replicate the gains that come from community investment in libraries. The gains only come from community investment in libraries.

Libraries are valuable because they are one of the few community investments that serve the entire community. One of the great things about our library is that on any given day, no matter what someone’s age or background, they can have a life changing experience. It can be a book, a program or just the help of a librarian. The library is also a place where you can find correct information. The sheer size of the internet, which is permeated with irrelevant and false information, makes it very difficult to trust the information you find there. By contrast, libraries invests in resources that have been vetted for their accuracy, so you can be confident that the information you are getting is correct and up to date.

There also are many small things about the Montesano Library that make a huge difference in people’s lives. For example, we have a free meeting room that holds up to 75 people. People use the room for meetings, parties and many other events. All you need to do is call or come by the library to make a reservation. We also offer free printing. You can print up to 100 pages per week for free, and we only charge 10 cents per page for every page after that. All you need is a library card in order to print.

Many people also do not know that we can help troubleshoot problems with laptops, phones and other technology. Learning how to use a new device or just learning how to do something new on a device like download an e-book can be quite challenging. We see a lot of different technology in the library and can help you get the most out of your laptop, phone or other device. Speaking of technology, we also offer assistive devices for people with physical disabilities. For example, you can check out a two handled cup which allows someone to use two hands when drinking a hot beverage.

These are all just some of the ways that libraries increase the quality of life of the community. There are many programs and activities that provide valuable information and help bring the community together. Come by and get your library card and see for yourself.

Chris Springer is the Montesano library manager for Timberland Regional Libraries. He can be reached at 360-249-4211 or cspringer@trl.org.