(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

When most of us hear the term library, we naturally think of books–biographies, romance, reference, mysteries, westerns, self-help, travel, genealogy–the list is endless. But the Parkersburg and Wood County Library is much more than books. In addition to magazines, movies, and music, your library provides computers for research and job-hunting, access to material on e-readers such as Kindle, and video games for teens. Rooms are available for individual tutoring as well as for hosting tax preparation, credit counseling, and meeting space for community organizations and events. And don’t forget the Arboretum.

Among the programs offered at your library are Tai Chi classes and craft nights for adults, game nights for young adults, Lego club and art classes for grade schoolers, and story time for preschoolers. This listing is far from complete and does not include all the wonderful programs for children such as the Life-Size Chutes and Ladders, Tic-Tac-Toe, Stuffed Animal Sleepover, and Poetry Scavenger Hunt.

On May 10, Wood County voters will be asked to renew the Library Excess Levy so that we can maintain the facilities and services listed above, construct and operate a new library in Williamstown, and continue payment for the South Parkersburg and Emerson buildings. Thirty percent of the Library’s funding comes from the Excess Levy, and without the funds that the levy provides, your library would be forced to reduce or eliminate operating hours, services, programs, and facilities.

One important point: Passage of the Levy WILL NOT RAISE YOUR TAXES. This is a continuing levy, one that Wood County citizens have generously supported in the past. Again, without the renewal of the levy, our children, our teens, our adults–our citizens–will lose many needed services and programs. I urge each of you to check out the library’s website–parkwoodlib.com–and see for yourself all that the library provides for the citizens of Wood County. On May 10 vote YES for continuing the Excess Levy for your Parkersburg and Wood County Library.

Paul E. Miller, president PWCL board of directors

Washington, W.Va.