White County leaders were recently notified by Senator Jon Ossoff’s office that the county would receive a $500,000 grant to be used to build a new library building in Cleveland. White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner said the grant came as a welcome surprise just before the Thanksgiving holiday, especially as the release of federal funds had stalled. The county had initially requested $2 million for the project.
We, too, are grateful that these funds will help result in a new, larger library to serve a growing White County populace, and we encourage community members to support our libraries in Cleveland and Helen. Unfortunately, not everyone in White County believes we should invest the money to improve our libraries.
We’ve seen posts on social media commenting that a better use of funds would be to build a skate park. Some keyboard warriors claimed that no one uses libraries anymore and therefore they are not essential. We strongly disagree.
A recent study by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government found that the state’s 408 public libraries positively impact Georgia’s annual economy to the tune of $202.8 million and provide services valued at $857.4 million. Breaking it down further, the study concluded that every $1 of funding to our public libraries generates $3.75, a significant payoff.
The study also showed that over the past five years, library patrons have been checking out more ebooks, and increased downloads of audiobooks and videos. Our libraries also provide valuable resources like free wi-fi to those who otherwise could not afford it.
Each week our library managers inform our readers about the many programs and activities available at our libraries in Cleveland and Helen. These educational and entertaining offerings are for people of all ages.
Our public libraries provide groups necessary meeting spaces. They offer a supportive environment for job seekers wanting to draft a winning resume.
Libraries are also a place where residents can connect with others through book clubs or craft circles. They are also vital to those engaged in researching family genealogy.
Some of us remember getting our first library card, a small but powerful tool that opened our young minds to entire worlds. Why not do the same for future generations?