In 2014, the Pine River Library was named "Best Small Library in America."
Since then, the Living Library Garden, Library Park, patio and library building have been used intensively and flexibly by children, families, adults and seniors.
Now the Pine River Library is at a crossroads. We will either pass the proposed mill levy increase to continue quality operations, or see dramatic cuts in hours, staff and programs.
Why now?
Oil and gas revenues have declined 20 percent each of the past two fiscal years. Operations have been maintained through prudent management and reserves, an unsustainable future practice. The mill levy proposal will fund support for children, families, adults and economic development. Library books, materials and programs support students through summer reading, preschool literacy, after school programs and family movie nights and more. Up-to-date computers provide fast internet. Entrepreneurs meet clients in free meeting rooms, access business databases and seminars.
Finally, I have attended writers seminars, celebrations, computer classes and Friends of the Library meetings to learn, contribute and pursue interests. The Pine River Library is a neutral meeting place for hundreds of groups in a community where many people know and care for one another.
People want to live in the Pine River Valley, Bayfield, Forest Lakes and Vallecito, and our library is a great asset.
On Nov. 6, please join me and vote "Yes" for the Pine River Library.
Cheryl D. Clay, former Pine River Library board trustee
Bayfield
