Restore library funding
The Ringgold School District last gave a financial contribution to the Monongahela Area Library in 2001. It was $11,000. Meanwhile, Ringgold students use the library for books, computers, WiFi, education, entertainment, and socialization. We offer storytime, summer reading clubs, and special programming for children. We also contribute to students’ English education by helping them with their summer reading list titles. Even in this age of technological revolution, libraries remain a necessity because not all students or the residents of the Ringgold School District can afford to buy a book, purchase a computer, or pay for a monthly Internet subscription. Yet less-fortunate students are expected to keep up with those who are more fortunate regardless of the financial status of their parents or guardians.
If the goal of our educational institutions is to prepare today’s youth to become tomorrow’s responsible adults and potential world leaders, then what message does it send when their school district does not contribute financially to their public library, which is also the only library to which they have access at this point thanks to the elimination of libraries within the schools themselves?
Now is the time for Ringgold to restore funding to the Monongahela Area Library. The Ringgold School District is the quarterback. Throw some funding at Monongahela Area Library to help the children and the community score the winning touchdown.
Tiffany Jean Fleet
Monongahela
Fleet is the director of the Monongahela Area Library.