Letter: Time to save Felton library

EDITOR,
This is it: Our community has a now-or-never chance this week to influence whether our Felton library stays open or is closed for good.
On Monday, Feb. 7, the Library Joint Powers Board will review four proposals for the future of area libraries. A week later, it’ll meet again and possibly make a decision. One proposal offers a way to keep all branches open, including Felton. Another would only keep Felton open with volunteer staffing. Two versions would close our branch.
We all pay the Measure R tax, which we were led to believe would help fund a new Felton branch — not close ours while supporting big branches elsewhere. As for the volunteer option, that’s a heavy burden on us when we pay the same taxes as other communities that will have paid staff.
Neighborhood libraries are an essential part of our society, providing free access to books, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, audiobooks and Internet. They offer a place for seniors to relax in community and young parents to divert little ones on a rainy day. Books shape and open our children’s minds; a love of learning often begins with a toddler poring over picture books. The point of neighborhood branches is to encourage library use by the community. Closing our branch would do the opposite, and our branch serves not just Felton but also Ben Lomond, Bonny Doon, Lompico and Zayante.
What can we do? Attend the meetings: Monday, Feb. 7, and Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at Louden Nelson Center in Santa Cruz. Speak in support of Felton during the meeting, or wear a button the Felton Library Friends will offer. If you can’t attend, PLEASE write or e-mail the library board today. Contact info is on the library website: www.santacruzpl.org/aboutscpl/govern/ljpb/members. For talking points, see www.feltonlibraryfriends.org.
Joni Martin, Felton