Letter: Plainfield Needs A Library That Reflects Extensive Growth Of Community

On Tuesday, April 4, Plainfield will hold its 2017 consolidated election. Among the items on the ballot will be a question asking voters to approve a limiting rate increase from 0.2021% to 0.3775% to fund a building renovation and addition for the Plainfield Public Library, which serves over 75,000 people. The increase would allow the library to expand its space, collection, and programming; perform necessary improvements to the aging building; and save money for future capital expenditures and growth.

In March 2016, the library attempted to pass a similar referendum. After it failed, the library was forced to cut costs by implementing a hiring freeze, remaining closed on Sundays year-round, and cutting its programming costs by half.

As we all know, Plainfield has experienced extensive growth over the past few decades, but our library was designed to serve a much smaller population. We need a library that reflects our new larger community. An argument I’ve heard repeatedly is that libraries are no longer necessary. One visit to the Plainfield Public Library, or any public library, will show you that this is not true. Beyond just the traditional books and magazines, the library loans movies; provides Internet use; offers story times, children’s programs, book clubs, meeting space for organizations in the community, technology training, and many other programs.

An expanded library that truly meets the needs of the people of the Plainfield Library District will strengthen the community by offering educational opportunities, strengthening relationships within the community, and allowing the library to remain the hub of our rapidly developing downtown area.

As a Plainfield homeowner and parent, I will be enthusiastically voting in favor of the library referendum, and I hope many other will come out on April 4 to do the same.

Sincerely,

Dojna Shearer

Submitted content