Library's value is inestimable

For the last week or so we have been asking the children at the check-out desk if they are ready for school to start. Not surprising that many said no -- it is hard to give up the freedom of summer. Others were looking forward to seeing friends they haven't seen in a while. Some were excited about going to a new building while others were a little apprehensive about it. In a short while they will all be settled into a routine and I am hopeful part of that routine will be visits to the library.

Someone shared a Facebook post yesterday with a quote from Walter Cronkite: "Whatever the cost of our libraries, the price is cheap compared to that of an ignorant nation." The article listed reasons libraries are amazing. In addition to books some libraries offer patrons the use of a computer, printer, copier, fax machine and scanner. Then there are all those discarded books that are offered at a very reasonable cost. Story time for the younger children is just one of the events offered by most libraries. Many libraries offer Wi-Fi. Some even lend movies and books on CDs. That article even mentioned fines for materials returned late which are very nominal and are used to purchase new items.

Library hours

1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday

10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays

www.pearigecommunit…

ibrary@pearidgecomm…

In a 2010 issue of a popular magazine I was reading this weekend, I found an article by a woman who shared her memories of the small town library of her childhood. Okay, I am a few years behind in my reading but this article is still timely. Who doesn't have fond memories of going to the library during summer vacation, especially the summer you made the move from the children's area to the adult section? The library of my transition year didn't have a teen/young adult section as libraries do now. But you knew when the book you choose was not deemed acceptable by the librarian by the stern look she gave you along with a suggestion that you find something "more age appropriate."

Libraries have seen many changes but in some ways they are the same. They offer a world of possibilities to the reader. Fiction or non-fiction; romance, mystery, sci-fi, Western -- or do you want to read that hot new release by a well known author or maybe now is the time to read a classic? Need help with a project you have been planning? Come in and do some research using the computers. I have been told you can find how to information on most anything on U-Tube.

Just want to get out of the house for a little while, come in and choose a magazine or a book and sit and read for a while. You might visit with an old friend or make a new one.

See you at the library!

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Editor's note: Peggy Maddox is the librarian of the Pea Ridge Community Library. She can be reached at the library at 451-8442 or by mail at P.O. Box 9, Pea Ridge, AR 72751. The Pea Ridge Community Library has a Facebook site.

Editorial on 08/19/2015