David Dolan: Great to see communities still value their libraries

I just returned from an 18-year absence, and it’s great to see that one of the signature investments county voters have continued to endorse over the past 22 years is their support for the Stanislaus County Library System. Many things have changed since the libraries asked for, and received, overwhelming voter support to sustain its mission of access to a broad spectrum of informational resources for all citizens, no matter their economic circumstance.

A positive reflection on the social and emotional health of a community is illustrated by the scope of resources it dedicates to those of lesser means. The welcoming to all, physical presence of a library facility is a positive reflection of a community’s aspirations. A necessary, welcoming and inclusive realm for generational and social interactions. I thank each and every library supporter who has volunteered over the past 22 years to sustain the Stanislaus Library System. I’m particularly appreciative and touched by the imagery and message of their voter campaign graphics: Say Yes to S! A positive sign!

This story was originally published November 2, 2017 at 5:38 PM with the headline "David Dolan: Great to see communities still value their libraries."