Letters, letters, letters

To the Editor:

It saddens my heart to think about the libraries closing on August 29, due to lack of funds. One of my earliest memories as a child was my first library card that allowed me the privilege of taking books home from the Mitchell, South Dakota library.

I loved going to the library weekly to pore over the books and make my selections. The highlight of my trip was the children's story time with wonderful readings by the librarian. My imagination took wings with the stories she read and the exciting illustrations she showed us.

To this day, I love going to the Sisters Library and browsing through the stacks for books that catch my fancy, or using the computer services to find special books for research. I like to see the small children of our community enjoying the books read to them by our librarian. To lose this wonderful resource is unthinkable. We must each look deep within ourselves and encourage our friends and neighbors to vote to support our libraries and keep them open.

I want to urge the voters of Deschutes County to mail in their ballots before September 15. Remember, we need 50 percent of the registered voters to vote in this election. Vote with your hearts to open our libraries again!

Sincerely,

Norma Funai

To the Editor:

Another election is scheduled for mid September and again we will need to address the issue of what is to become of our library. Why? Last May, library supporters happily and overwhelmingly voted to create a library district - but not enough people (not over 50 percent of the registered voters) got out to vote, so the results were nullified.

There is a message here for everyone. Those of us who did vote for the library must do so again. Those who did not bother to vote but were in favor of the library must make a point of remembering to vote this time.

We live in a free country, and it is our obligation - or privilege - to vote. Can we really be so busy that we can't find the time? That is hard to believe. Please mark your calendar to mail in your ballot so that it is received by September 15.

I believe the library issue stands on its own merits and deserves our support.

Phoebe Olson