For many years I was a volunteer at the Greenfield Public Library, and I had nothing to do with books. I volunteered to rehab CDs and DVDs. During those years I was able to understand that a library is far more than books.

This age of technology has changed the local library. Of course books are certainly a central part of any library, but library uses have dramatically expanded. I saw children’s activities increasing with very little space to make them as effective as they should be to encourage a thirst for knowledge. In recent years it has become evident that more room should be used for teen activities and research.

Currently there is little or no space dedicated to teen activities. It truly is time for us to understand that a modern library can encourage teens to work together on both school projects and forming clubs for common interest. Let’s give them room to work toward a rewarding future.

People who do not have computers can now use library computers to search for job opportunities and keep in touch with family and friends. In roaming the library halls in Greenfield I have seen people with disabilities have problems using our current library facilities. I have seen those with children in strollers have difficulty getting where they needed to go in the library.

It is beyond the time to have a new library that everyone can and will use. We will all benefit with ease of access to all the wonders that OUR new library will provide.

Our new library will make downtown more exciting for all residents and it will make Greenfield more attractive to both families and businesses considering moving to town. It’s time to do this for all of us.

Terry Ruggles

Greenfield

773-8395

rugbugs@gmail.com