Libraries Under Attack

I never thought my local library would have to fight for its survival.

Some things you just take for granted. Your local library used to be like that: It would always be there even if you hadn't been noticing, like that first spring weekend after a brutal Chicago winter.

But not any more. The Lisle library is in serious danger, and every member of the community has a role to play in keeping it strong, vibrant and relevant.

Special interests, under camouflage of such catch-phrases as "slashing budgets," "tax freezes" and "curbing excess spending," want to trick you into thinking that libraries are bloated and wasteful. It's not true.

Don't fall for the propaganda, because it's about neither taxes nor the budgets. It's a war on information access. Your information access.

There's no place in the special-interest world-view for healthy community libraries. They don't believe in libraries but they do believe in strong corporate profits. If a private corporation can make a profit by selling many of the same items and services provided by libraries, then by all means chase the corporate dollars. The dollars don't even have to remain local. This is their private agenda.

Community values, like shared public space or the interests of the poor and disabled, have no meaning for the special interests.

Recently there has been serious talk about eliminating health insurance for Lisle Library employees; doing away with our special reserve fund, which is our rainy-day fund for emergencies; even closing our doors and sending our patrons to the libraries in Naperville or Downers. Conspiracy theories continue to circulate about imaginary slush funds, maximum taxation and fictitious secret plans for new building construction. There has even been loose talk about arresting the board of trustees.

A wise person once told me that when a person tells you who they are, believe them. Take threats seriously.

We need your help.

Keep the Lisle Library strong!