Letters

Ray D’Angelo claims he knows what the working, middle-class residents of Hampton Bays think about our public library [“Vote No,” Letters, August 7]. Well, he doesn’t speak for me — and I would venture to say that he doesn’t speak for the many residents who love their library, which has become the center for our needs, interests, health and joy.

Yes, it is a busy place and parking can sometimes be a challenge. At the library, I meet and greet friends and neighbors, but I try to keep my voice down out of respect for the youngsters being tutored, those reading their daily newspaper, others searching for books, for answers, for advice from the talented, helpful staff.

I look forward to the monthly newsletter that informs me of courses, events and new editions, sometimes music or an art exhibit. I often order books through the inter-library loan option. As an avid reader, I worry about my eyes but am comforted by the library’s additional resources of audiobooks and large-print editions.

I frequently visit the library book sale, where I try to pass on some of my own books for others to purchase cheaply. Taking the elevator downstairs, I have to walk through the Place for Teens, a fascinating experience and an opportunity to find out what is “in” and what books are popular. It is a great place to hang out for kids, the only one in Hampton Bays. The younger children are always coming in and out of the main lobby of the library. Their room is a joyous place for wonderful stories. Here they can follow up on curiosities and learn from youth on that books have a special place in our lives. They love getting their own library cards or showing off the many titles they have found and can take home. It’s a big deal.

This is why I always vote yes when it is time to support the library budget.

Have you noticed that the price of everything is going up? It affects the library operation and future as well.

My answer is not to punish what is so important for our community welfare. It is to get active, to pay attention and learn why our tax money is being taken away from schools, libraries, people on Medicaid and Medicare; why medicine and other health care needs are so expansive and keep costing more. I am shocked every time I go to the supermarket. Aren’t you?

Support your public library and find the answers there.

Sigrid Meinel

Hampton Bays