Support libraries

As we celebrate libraries during the month of April, let us applaud this institution for its contribution to America’s literacy efforts. Despite the limited resources available to library systems, like the Portsmouth Public Library, they continue to serve their communities in innovative ways. For groups like the homeless population, they are a shelter from the elements, providing assistance in applying for employment and government assistance programs. During times of crisis libraries assist their communities as they are doing during the COVID19 pandemic, by distributing personal protective equipment.

Libraries have been a source for students of all educational levels. Many libraries have created activities that are family based. For example, children’s story hours, games that support literacy, comic book conventions, poetry nights, heritage and history festivals, and so much more that support family learning, and a more literate, cultured society. Libraries now provide new literacy opportunities with e-books. Libraries are an essential part of our communities and have proved to be more than just a place to check out a book.

The nation has been facing challenging economic and chaotic times. Many Americans were unaware that in 2019, President Donald Trump’s proposed budget cut 90% of federal library funds. That proposed budget would have reduced library funding from $242 million in 2019 to $23 million in 2020. It is clear that we are facing times that could stop libraries from flourishing. We must provide libraries with the funds and workers needed to support the services in their communities.

Delrose M. Morgan, elementary school teacher for Portsmouth Public Schools, Suffolk