I am writing to encourage Wood County residents to pass the levy benefitting the Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library on Election Day. Many times I have heard how libraries are an antiquated system, that everything is online now. I've learned, though, a majority of the people making these claims haven't set foot in our local library in a long, long time.
Like any business, libraries must evolve with the times. Our library offers not only the latest best-selling books, but a huge selection of magazines and regional newspapers, e-books, computer access, children's programs and so much more.
For my husband and me - two seniors on a fixed income - the library is a great way to save money. A night out at the movies would cost us upward of $30 or more for admission, popcorn and drinks. Going to the video store, we'll end up paying $4 for a single new release movie. However, we can walk into any of the branches of the Parkersburg and Wood County Public Library and find hundreds, if not thousands, of DVDs, including the latest releases we'd find at Blockbuster.
As I understand it, the levy will cost $6.50 for a house appraised at $100,000. That's less than that overpriced movie ticket I mentioned earlier. At that rate, I am more than happy to support our libraries - and I hope the rest of Wood County decides the same.
Gerry Ankrom
Parkersburg
