Occasionally, people ask me, “What is a library and why do we still need to have one? Why not just Google everything?”

The answer to this question is as complex as the diverse communities libraries all across America serve! A library is the one place within a community whose doors are open to all people. There are no barriers to entry. It is a place full of print resources, cultural resources, digital resources, historical resources and, most importantly, human resources. The particular collections of each library uniquely reflect the needs and desires of the community served, and give all people within each particular community an equal opportunity to learn, share and improve their quality of life. The return on investment is intrinsically linked to those who opt to use the library being able to achieve personal growth and, therefore, having the opportunity to contribute more to the greater good of the community.

Google (and other favored search engines) offer people access to knowledge, too. However, all digital resources lack the single most important resource of all: humans. One can search a topic and connect with millions- even billions- of websites, but although websites are created by humans, website administrators are often not easily accessible when a question arises. Also, the creation of websites is becoming so easy, even an elementary student can host one. This means the authoritativeness of any information on the web must be highly scrutinized for validity and authority. So, even if the host of a website is reached, the credentials of that host must always be in question.

When people enter a library, they can count on having access to written materials created by authors whose writing has been vetted by professional editors. Librarians also spend countless hours reading reviews in order to make informed decisions about which materials to add to the collection. Granted, some resources are of a better quality than others, but all are purchased from reputable publishing companies whose reputation is at stake with each and every book they publish. For example, a print resource on a medical condition purchased from a publishing company is not apt to be penned by a mischievous teenager out to play a prank on an unsuspecting adult doing research online.

In addition, those using the library can count on library staff to take a personal interest in their needs. Someone needing specific information can have a conversation leading to a tailored information search. As author Neil Gaiman once remarked,“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.” The reason for this efficiency is obvious: there is no computer on earth that can communicate with a human being in a way that captures all the nuances inherent within a face-to-face human conversation. A computer search can dredge up everything related to the keyword(s) typed in the search box, but it cannot consider the needs of the searcher, nor interpret the quality of the results.

This is why we still have libraries. People need to connect with other people to be able to learn, share and grow. And since the health of a community is directly related to the prosperity of its members, libraries are still a necessary component of any robust community. Libraries are connecting people and ideas and this creates a firm foundation for individual growth, economic development and the progression of our American way of life.

Of course, there is a cost to have a library within a community. Although all people are free to cross the threshold, the services libraries provide do not come without a price. The people working at the library must be paid. The items in circulation must be purchased. Program supplies, computers, furniture, processing materials, software licenses, paper, ink replacement cartridges and many other important items must be bought in order to make it possible for libraries to continue on in this mission of connecting people and ideas.

In the case of Macedon, the budget is proposed each year and decided upon by the members of the Macedon Town Board. Macedon is a municipal public library. This means the library has autonomy over its own budget, but the specific amount of money given to the library each year is directly dependent upon a decision made by the members of the Macedon Town Board rather than by a proposal placed before the residents. The members of the town board are charged with theimportant task of deciding on behalf of the residents how much of the tax money levied from the community members will be allocated to the Macedon Public Library budget.

This year, I am asking that members of the community consider what the the Macedon Public Library means to them. Please take a moment to thank the Macedon Town Board for its investment in the community through the years. Let them know if this institution is important to you. Explain if you believe the library needs to be funded in a manner consistent with the needs of the community. Spell out for them if the sustainability of the continued access to resources and programs provided is a concern.

Currently, our library receives $207,500 from the Town of Macedon. The library is faced with many challenges ahead due to minimum wage increases as well as other rising costs. We currently run the library with a deficit budget that has been addressed the last few years by spending down our reserves. This year, I am asking the Macedon Town Board to increase our budget by 7.5% ($15,562.50) to address these operating challenges and to avoid continuing on with a deficit budget and the need for further cuts impacting programming, staffing and hours.

Please consider taking a moment to let the Macedon Town Board know your thoughts concerning this budget request. You may choose to call the Macedon Town Hall at: 986-5932, or to write a letter to the Macedon Town Board: 32 Main Street, Macedon, NY 14502. Another option could be to send an email to the Macedon Town Board: macsuper@macedontown.net

On Monday, October 3 at 6:30 pm, I will go before the Macedon Town Board to make our budget request. If you are able to attend this meeting, it will be held at the Community Room located within the Macedon Public Library. I invite you to attend if you are able.

Please let your representatives know your opinion on this matter so they may make this important budget decision with your explicit feedback in mind.

Thank you!