It was disheartening to see signs in my area encouraging citizens not to vote for a modest increase in taxes from outlying communities for support of a school district library.

As a retired French and Latin teacher, I naturally value education and the benefits of it to an informed citizenry.

Access to the Massena Public Library provides a knowledgeable and always helpful staff plus a wealth of materials: books, magazines, periodicals, reference works, newspapers, etc. It also provides a free showcase to guest speakers and to the exhibits of local talented artists, musicians, and craftsmen.

In addition, parents were never reluctant to allow their teenagers to go to the library in the evening because they knew there was adequate staff supervision. This same supervision also allowed them to leave their little ones to enjoy the many games and activities provided for them.

Some say that since they don’t use the library, they shouldn’t have to pay their share of tax support. Using that logic, since I no longer have pets, I don’t need to donate to the Massena Humane Society or to the ASPCA.

My children are adults now and live away; ergo, I don’t need to contribute to the Boys and Girls Club. I am not of the Catholic faith; therefore, I no longer have to contribute to the Trinity Catholic School, and so on.

Thank goodness there are so very many people in Massena and surrounding area who do not subscribe to that logic, and consistently donate not only their money but also their time to those charitable entities that exist to help others. Isn’t supporting the library with our taxes and donations what good citizens do to maintain their community as a desirable place to live and raise families as well as to encourage newcomers to settle here?

Even though my late husband and I were not Massena natives, we were always so appreciative and grateful for the friendliness, warmth, and caring shown to us. Don’t take this fine community and its library which serves the entire school district for granted!

If you value this remarkable library and all of its free or nominally-priced services, please vote yes to create the Massena School District Library.

Abigail Wanzer

Norfolk