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Dear editor,

It is not an exaggeration to say South Bend, Indiana’s public libraries changed my life for the better. From the time I was young, my mom regularly took my younger brother and me to the main library downtown, where we chose from the large selection of children’s books on the third floor. We learned to read with Dr. Suess, The Berenstain Bears, and Hans Christian Andersen among many other favorites. When I got old enough to ride the city bus by myself, I would travel downtown to check out “The Three Investigators” and “Hardy Boys” book series. 

In 1976, my mom was hired as Library Assistant at the Virginia Tutt Branch of the St. Joseph Public Library. My brother and I “lived” at that branch, participating in summer reading programs, browsing the bookshelves, and performing our magic tricks at Tutt and other library branches. My mom was the story hour lady at Tutt for years. She passed her love of reading onto her sons, grandchildren, friends, and everyone she encountered. Nothing pleased her more than convincing somebody who didn’t read to give it a try.

Public libraries play an essential and positive role in our communities. They make materials, performances, and programs available to everyone, without cost. They host programs on the arts, sciences, as well as practical life skills such as health care and tax preparation. They provide safe indoor spaces and internet access for those without shelter during the day.

Informed, safe, and healthy communities need public libraries. Libraries do change lives for the better. They are worthy of continued public funding.

Sincerely,
Scott Dunham
South Bend, Ind.