Keep the library doors open
Tax deductible
"One person can make a difference, and everyone should try," John F. Kennedy once said. He could have been talking about a library. One book can make a difference to someone who has lost a job and is seeking to build new, marketable skills. One book can make a difference to someone trying to change their health around. One book can make a difference to someone who is down by picking them back up again. One book.
What about the other services libraries offer? Access to technology allows people to print out a resume, research a diet or exercise plan, or connect with a person who cares when they really need someone to care. All this is possible through the work of one of the most important assets a library has—the staff. One library aide recommending a book or one hour spent helping someone navigate an online resource can mean the world to the recipient. This is the power of one.
But what happens when all that goes away?
This year the city of Nenana, Alaska, is broke. Many services are being cut, including the library, which has been open and free since 1985. It will not continue without outside help.
Nenana Public Library serves a small community of 400 people. They come to the library to connect with the community. They bring their children since they know that they will be safe at the library, they will be encouraged to read, and they will have wholesome fun through the available programs. Many children grew up in this library, and their parents grew up in this library and are prolific readers. The library is an important link in continuing this chain of literacy.
When someone needs to do work on a computer, the staff assists them. Staff trains people to use the computer technology, and the library makes available printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines. The library is the only place in Nenana that provides these services. There is no Kinko's Copies, print shops, or alternatives.
The next nearest libraries are located 55 miles north or 25 miles south, and many people in Nenana do not have transportation to take them there. The community of Nenana is impoverished, and it would cost too much for most people to obtain library services elsewhere. In a community where the unemployment rate is very high, Nenana Public Library is the only place where they have public Internet access and free public use computers to apply for employment, to improve their lives, and to have equal opportunity.
Recently, a critical first step to save the library has been accomplished. The city council approved leasing the library to the Friends of the Library for $1.00. The FOL Board will take on all the expenses of the library—but only with your help!
For by now, it is obvious what happens when a library closes. It means more than the loss of books, computer access, and printing services. It means the loss of dreams. A dream of a better job, a dream of an improved life, a dream of escape from daily problems. These dreams are contained between the covers of a book, fill the pixels of the computer screen, and grace the smiles of the familiar faces of helpful staff. These dreams make up a community of people who care about their own futures and each other's.
Please help keep the doors open for these dreams by remembering even one person makes a difference. Donate money if you can. If you can't, spread the word, for maybe someone else can. Together, we can be the one to make a great difference in the lives of Nenana.
Thank you.
What about the other services libraries offer? Access to technology allows people to print out a resume, research a diet or exercise plan, or connect with a person who cares when they really need someone to care. All this is possible through the work of one of the most important assets a library has—the staff. One library aide recommending a book or one hour spent helping someone navigate an online resource can mean the world to the recipient. This is the power of one.
But what happens when all that goes away?
This year the city of Nenana, Alaska, is broke. Many services are being cut, including the library, which has been open and free since 1985. It will not continue without outside help.
Nenana Public Library serves a small community of 400 people. They come to the library to connect with the community. They bring their children since they know that they will be safe at the library, they will be encouraged to read, and they will have wholesome fun through the available programs. Many children grew up in this library, and their parents grew up in this library and are prolific readers. The library is an important link in continuing this chain of literacy.
When someone needs to do work on a computer, the staff assists them. Staff trains people to use the computer technology, and the library makes available printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines. The library is the only place in Nenana that provides these services. There is no Kinko's Copies, print shops, or alternatives.
The next nearest libraries are located 55 miles north or 25 miles south, and many people in Nenana do not have transportation to take them there. The community of Nenana is impoverished, and it would cost too much for most people to obtain library services elsewhere. In a community where the unemployment rate is very high, Nenana Public Library is the only place where they have public Internet access and free public use computers to apply for employment, to improve their lives, and to have equal opportunity.
Recently, a critical first step to save the library has been accomplished. The city council approved leasing the library to the Friends of the Library for $1.00. The FOL Board will take on all the expenses of the library—but only with your help!
For by now, it is obvious what happens when a library closes. It means more than the loss of books, computer access, and printing services. It means the loss of dreams. A dream of a better job, a dream of an improved life, a dream of escape from daily problems. These dreams are contained between the covers of a book, fill the pixels of the computer screen, and grace the smiles of the familiar faces of helpful staff. These dreams make up a community of people who care about their own futures and each other's.
Please help keep the doors open for these dreams by remembering even one person makes a difference. Donate money if you can. If you can't, spread the word, for maybe someone else can. Together, we can be the one to make a great difference in the lives of Nenana.
Thank you.
Organizer
Marian Atthelibrary
Organizer
Nenana, AK
Friends of the Library (Nenana Public Library)
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
