New to Town, Not New to Truth: A Voice for the Library

I moved to Front Royal six years ago from a very small town in Ohio. In fact, all the places I lived in previously were small towns in Ohio. But do you know what all of those small towns, including this one, have in common? They had a public library. A safe haven for those who needed it. A place that not only has books but places where you could find fun, cool off with air conditioners in the summer, learn how to build a resumé, learn stories about someone’s life in a seminar, or find peace and quiet in a place where there will be no judgment. Most of my growing years in life were spent in a library for more than 75% of my time. I even volunteered in two of their summer reading programs in the past. Public libraries truly are a saving grace for us all.

As these two years have slowly elapsed and things have gotten worse, I’ve witnessed the clear avoidance of due diligence and a refusal of acknowledgment regarding the fine print. The very same fine print that we all get taught as adults that you need to read when signing anything because without reading it, you could easily sign up for something that may end you in dire straits. This gross lack of accountability truly cements the reality of how monstrous humanity can be if they can’t read even the simplest of print.

Yet the inactions you all have clearly shown us you are performing are further undermining just another reason why you want us to react. I’m aware it’s not for the books; it’s for control. It’s also because of shared feelings of conceit for what you call your “greater good” and your supposed “future generations.” Be honest with yourselves; it’s your lasting mark in a sea full of people you think you can easily control with an iron and unmovable fist.

“I know most of you on the board won’t read this—but mark my words: the people who genuinely care about improving our library will. In the end, it’s we the people who work to form a more perfect union.”

Jessica Downs
North River District
Warren County, VA

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