When Parkersburg South High School opened its doors in August 1967, our students and indeed the citizens from southern Wood County, had to drive to north Parkersburg to have access to a public library. You can imagine, then, how nice it was to have even the very small satellite library which opened in the early 1970s. Our students could stop at the library after school to get, or request, materials which were not available in the school library. However, the "branch library," as it was referred to, was never intended to be a lasting solution to the lack of library services in the area south of the Little Kanawha River.
With the election on Nov. 6, we have the opportunity to replace that tiny satellite facility which has served south Parkersburg for almost two generations and to improve library services at the main library on Emerson Avenue as well.
Of course, you know that libraries of today are more than a collection of books, periodicals, and newspapers. If you haven't been to your library recently, take time to visit. You'll be amazed at the changes you'll find. The books, magazines, and newspapers are still there, but there are also large print books, audio books, videos, DVDs, a bank of computers for public use, and a host of other materials and services available. And the library is there for everyone to use.
I'll admit, I am an unabashed book lover. What would you expect of someone who spent a career in the school system? I'll be voting for the levy for the Parkersburg-Wood County Library on Nov. 6. I hope you will join me with your Yes vote.
Sue V. Moore
Parkersburg
