Archive: Opinions

I am writing concerning the May 19th vote on the future of the Lansing Library.  The proposition in question asks the Lansing taxpayers if the library should be abolished, that is, permanently closed.  This is not about asking for more money or allowing for building improvements.  This vote is about the very survival of this library.  It is an “all or none” decision.  Since the library is now chartered by New York State, it is no longer possible for this library to return to a volunteer-run institution.  If the library is abolished it will be closed and all of its assets will be dispersed. 

It would be a travesty to lose this library after the huge amount of time and effort so many volunteers have contributed to make this library a reality and to make Lansing an even better place to live.  But if you are not interested in the “warm and fuzzy” aspects of maintaining this library and are only concerned with the “bottom-line” and how much it’s going to cost the taxpayer, then I would argue that it would be foolish to allow the library to close.

We are all experiencing difficult financial times due to the current state of the economy and most of us have to find ways to cut-back our spending.  In this current economic situation, the absolute best choice for our community is to keep the library open and thriving and not to remove it from the tax rolls.  Removing a tax that will cost the average Lansing resident $25 a year would be an example of cutting off one’s “fiscal” nose to spite one’s face.  Is it really wise to save $25 a year, but lose access to all that the library provides?  The library and its current services allow many of its patrons to save money and reduce spending in a variety of ways. 

The library has new computers and free high-speed internet access which can be costly for individual households and is not even available to many residents.  The library provides inexpensive entertainment with its large collection of books, DVD’s, and audio-books, as well as its wide variety of free community programs.  And now that the library’s collection is computerized, access to Lansing’s collection, as well as that of the entire Finger Lakes Library System, is easier than ever and can help to save time and gas by allowing patrons to request items online from home or work and then to pick them up at the local Lansing Library.

The intent of this proposition may be an attempt to save Lansing taxpayers a little money, but abolishing the library is a truly poor choice as a way to reduce taxpayer spending.  Please vote NO on May 19th against the proposition to close the Lansing Library. 

Michelle Calupca

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