Nov 23, 2013 2 min read

The Flenniken Public Library in Carmichaels, serving “down east” Greene County, recently honored Tina Gresko and Janice Jeffries for the 25 years of dedicated and loyal service each has provided. Throughout those 25 years, local library proponents repeatedly campaigned to establish a proper facility to accommodate patron demands.

Shamefully, library opponents succeeded in thwarting each and every campaign. Twenty-five years ago, opponents wrongly predicted that the personal computer would cause public libraries to become obsolete. However, our library not only continues to serve, but patron demands also continue to expand and increase as well.

Although gussied up recently, our library is grossly inadequate for serving patrons’ demands. Recently, I was asked in a haughty manner what more I would want. Being aware that our local history greatly exceeds a nostalgic covered bridge and a small, homespun academy building, I mentioned the need for a local history room. Yes, a room. A big room. Not merely a scrapbook or file or cabinet in a closet. Without further ado, the person asking abruptly spun around and walked off.

Today’s opponents ask where the money is going to come from and say we can’t afford it. But an article appeared in the Nov. 3 Observer-Reporter headlined, “Striking it rich in Washington, Greene.” If the article is to be believed, library opponents must simply be full of it. Obviously, a new battle cry is needed. An appropriate one is “Either lead, follow, or get out of the way.”

Paul Lagojda

Cumberland Township