Storytime mothers support library budget request

To the editor: We’re writing to ask the community’s support for the Monroe Free Library’s annual operating budget and to encourage all registered voters to vote “yes” on Nov. 8 referendum. As mothers of toddlers, we routinely see first-hand how valuable the library’s services are to our children. The “storytime” program we attend allows our children to be introduced to the basic skills they will need to be successful in their future school years, such as listening, taking direction and good manners. Additionally, the staff consistently reinforce the importance of reading, the future proficiency that will help them to be successful in all that they do in life. In our view, the library’s reading program is not just an “activity” for us; it is a means for us to introduce our children to the world and all it has to offer. Likewise, we believe the many other programs offered by the Monroe Free Library, including its many collections of books, magazines, tapes, DVDs and music, will help our children as they grow. These collections do not duplicate what school districts offer; rather, they are equal partners to enrich our children’s lives. We’re sure that those who participate in other library programs or who avail themselves of the library’s services feel the same way. The literary is asking for an operating budget increase of approximately $125,000, for an increase of 34 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation. There is a child in your life who will definitely benefit from the Monroe Free Library’s services, whether it’s your own daughter or son, grandchild, niece, nephew or a child in your neighborhood. We endorse the library’s operating budget request and ask for your support and approval of it in the Nov. 8 referendum. Gale Sass and 15 other members of the Storytime Mothers of the Monroe Free Library