Most Americans remain physically and socially isolated, hunkering down in our houses like soldiers in trenches on the front lines of a war. Communicating by phone and online, looking forward to resuming the daily routine of our “normal” lives, we find it amazing that we took those lives for granted.

In Massena, we hope to keep our losses to a minimum and keep what’s most valuable when that day comes. We want to retain the richness of our previous existence, including the small details of the everyday connections, activities and events we experience. The Massena Public Library embodies many of those significant details.

Whether downloading library material from the comfort of your home or physically browsing the tables and shelves for books, magazines and newspapers, sipping a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa for a quarter in a ceramic mug with a snack, patrons relax while pursuing education, entertainment, and self-improvement. The visually-challenged have access to large print or talking books. Public computers and laptops with free wi-fi provide free online classes.

Cardholders might watch a free movie in the firelit Warren Room while munching popcorn or sign out a free DVD for the weekend. More than a few of us miss those video blockbuster stores.

We’ve lost Office Max, but fortunately we can still copy, fax and laminate at the library where a notary public doubles as library staff. Photocopies are .15 each, computer prints .25 each, and laminates $2 each. Faxing costs $2 for the first page and .15 for all others. The scanning service is free as is the notary service

Teachers instruct classes of all kinds such as quilting, sewing, computers, chair yoga, weightlifting, and basket making. Authors, musicians, artists and other interesting speakers entertain and enrich our cultural lives. It isn’t always necessary to travel to Canton or Potsdam or take SOAR classes for these cultural opportunities. Many of us look forward to the Annual Art Exhibit showcasing our local talent.

Comfortable, well-equipped meeting rooms serve clubs and organizations of all types from book clubs to business meetings to metaphysical groups.

The library caters to special interests as well with programs such as Ancestry.com, ArtistWorks.com and free music lessons. Cypress Resume Helper aids those polishing their resumes to obtain jobs. Fold3 enables access to military records.

For those planning weddings, family reunions or even garage sales, checking out folding chairs, tables and pop up canopies will save money. The library works for all of us, not just those who can afford it. Book sales increase library funds while providing great value at inexpensive prices for readers.

Discount passes for the Wild Center, Adirondack Experience and the Empire Pass encourage travel, enjoyment of our natural resources in national parks and affordable family outings.

Last, but not least, children are well-served at our local library. Numerous programs for children and a children’s librarian welcome our families in a special kid-friendly section of the building. For example, Story Time wakes up an appreciation for books and reading in our youngsters. Educational toys such as Legos inspire budding engineers and scientists. Board games and children’s computer programs encourage cooperation and creativity.

All of the above-mentioned community “prosperity” is at risk if the bid for a school district library fails. Due to local economic conditions, the Massena government, though collectively fans of the library, has not been able to increase library funding for the last ten years. Our town has been dependent on the library’s annual operating budget, but that fund balance has been exhausted. Without some increased funding, we are in danger of becoming a skeletal library, losing staff and services, charging more for remaining services that were previously free or nominal.

At this point, to avoid that sad state of affairs, the best plan calls for us to become a school district library like Potsdam. Yes, people who live in Louisville (like me), Brasher, and Norfolk will see a one-time increase in taxes. Like many people, I tend to be negative when I hear of a raise in taxes. But for our library- I’ll pay it. Massena residents, who have been paying the most financial support over the years, will see a decrease of about $65. After that, no increases for the library can happen without voter approval.

A study discussed recently on NPR reported evidence that communities like Massena that have suffered economic decline were more successful at keeping their populations stable when maintaining excellent libraries as opposed to allowing them to fail. That glad day will arrive when we are emerging from sheltering in our houses to once again experience the routine of our daily lives within our community. Perhaps we will have gained a better perspective on whom and what is important. Being able to once again routinely use and enjoy the many services at our local public library will be a pleasure.

Becoming a school district library is the best solution to keeping our library the stable, community-enhancing entity that it has been for a very long time. If you value the library as a community treasure, an educational institution, a social gathering place, cast your ballot in June and vote yes to create the Massena School District Library.

Marie Kirwan

Massena