Karen Traub: What to do when tax dollars fund millionaire golf games instead of libraries

When I was five and got my own library card, I enjoyed being entrusted with grown-up responsibility as much as I enjoyed the “kerchunk” sound of the machine checking out my book. I didn’t know this was my introduction to civic engagement.

Libraries benefit the community by bringing people together to learn, have fun, and grow. Libraries are social equalizers and a measure of how our democracy is holding up in its 249th year. Libraries make up .003% of the national budget and welcome everybody. I am proud to live in Massachusetts where the first Library Commission was established, where people value books and literacy, and where legislators fiercely stand up to protect our libraries.

In the wake of the presidential order effectively closing the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) announced cuts to library services and grants at its monthly board meeting. IMLS is the single largest source of critical federal funding for libraries.

What can we do when our tax dollars are funding millionaire golf games instead of libraries? Get mad and get (more) active! Support your local library by checking out materials, attending programs, sharing library support on social media, talking to friends about library card sign-ups. Join the Friends group or consider becoming a trustee. Join with others in the Massachusetts Library Association or Western Mass Library Advocates. Sign a petition by visiting EveryLibrary.org, and tell your story at LoveMassLibraries.com. Thank your legislators for standing up for libraries.

Karen Traub

Shutesbury