It’s all at the library

Confusion was my reaction to Robert Steinbuch’s column on March 1. Something about his claim that libraries use taxpayers’ cash to purchase tools and fishing supplies for lending to patrons just seemed misleading and not completely valid.

I am a 70-year-old grandmother and, with a simple Internet search, the top result confirmed what I suspected. A National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant combined with individual and corporate donations was used by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in partnership with the Arkansas Public Library Commission to develop a program allowing individuals to check out fishing gear from over 50 locations, mostly libraries across the state.

An Internet search also revealed that the Fayetteville Library in partnership with another organization formed the Ozarkansas Tool Library. The initial investment in tools was funded by a grant and has since been supplemented with donations of shop and garden tools. The CALS tool library was made possible after Arkansas citizens voted to approve a bond refinance in 2015.

I find it confusing that Steinbuch is critical of a service that actually saves taxpayers money. These services let a patron borrow an expensive tool that might only be used once on a special project, and allows the individual to spend that money elsewhere. These programs, even in instances where taxpayer money is used, are cost-effective and are actually saving people money.

I consider libraries and the services they offer to be one of the best uses of my tax dollars. Public libraries today act as community centers and are staffed by hardworking, creative, resourceful professionals who do amazing things with limited resources.

If Professor Steinbuch needs help with his researching skills, I am sure he can receive assistance at a local public library where a knowledgeable librarian will cheerfully assist him.

JOAN ONEAL Greenbrier