Letters to the editor: 05/08/03

Downtown library is convenient

To the Editor:

Recently I had the pleasure of walking with our 20-month-old granddaughter down the streets of Sylva, stopping to visit with merchants along the way.

Her favorite stop, however, was our visit to the library, where she played with other children, read books and even tapped on the computer keyboard.

Having the availability of our library right downtown is so "walker-friendly" and convenient. It also presents a picturesque feeling to our little town.

I understand that the library needs more room, and I wish a second floor could be added. But I am sincerely hoping that the library can remain downtown.

Just the thought of driving out to Southwestern Community College to enjoy library privileges has already given me a headache when I contemplate the parking problem that already exists on the campus, plus the knowledge that a traffic light will need to be installed, which will create traffic jams on campus that may well continue all the way to the Ingles intersection at 107.

This traffic problem, in addition to the one that already exists at the bottleneck where the Old Asheville Highway intersects with Highway 107, will make it even more difficult to navigate the east side of town.

I know you won't be able to "please them all," but I hope you'll give the subject considerable thought and understanding.

Michele McMahon

Sylva

Paint does not improve law enforcement

To the Editor:

Can someone tell me why is it necessary for our new sheriff to repaint the department's fleet of patrol cars? It's my understanding that the cost to repaint each vehicle is running about $500 dollars.

I fail to see how this is going to improve the level of law enforcement in Jackson County.

It seems to me, what with tight budgets and the current state of the economy, our sheriff could be a bit more frugal with the taxpayers' money.

Richard Smith

Cane Creek

Save our downtown library

To the Editor:

In the best interest of our county and community, I ask all residents of Jackson County to express their concern for keeping the county library here in the county seat by calling the county commissioners and Cecil Groves of Southwestern Community College. Ask them to consider the wishes of the people of Jackson County and keep our library out of the college system.

A library in a college setting becomes a college library. A library located out of a town and neighborhood loses its service to that town and neighborhood. The entire downtown is enhanced by the presence of the library. Driving on N.C. 107 out beyond Wal-Mart may increase the traffic situation out there but do little to enhance our community life.

By keeping the library downtown, where it is accessible to the greatest number of community members, allows it to function as a part of the community. There are folks who use it on a daily basis and feel a sense of belonging within the community because it is here. If it is a part of an academic usage and location, then that feeling will be lost.

The college may need a better library and I support their endeavor, but not at the expense of our county library being consumed in their wake.

I hope to have answers to these questions:

1. What is the money connection between the college wanting to absorb the county library and the funds it would receive? I am told that $6 million is somehow in the picture.

2. Why would the present county library want to become a segment of the college instead of serving the public of our county in the non-academic setting? If the best interests of Jackson County are not being considered first, then we may not be receiving the best management.

3. Is there anyone who really believes that a college library is not primarily for the convenience and needs of the college? The non-academic person, children and the elderly will feel out of place.

4. Is there a town anywhere that would want to give up their library? More than just a place for books, it also becomes a public place to meet, hold meetings, use computers, read and relax, research, study, write, feature events of music and the arts, make a statement about the attitude of the area toward education and learning in general.

The presence of a library in a town is like the presence of a comfortable sofa in a living room. It invites and makes you feel welcome and wanted.

5. If it were possible would it not make sense to restore life to our beautiful old courthouse by making it the county library and historical museum? Obtaining grants and launching a massive and creative fund-raising campaign would energize and galvanize our community spirit.

Often times change happens to us even if we don't embrace it, but opening our hearts to seek the positive and loving aspects of a change can bring forth miracles far greater than we could dream. I hope this library issue becomes a spirit issue that bonds us all with respect and love for one another and brings about change that is for the highest and best good of our community.

Sincerely,

Dottie Hoche

Owner - Worldly Possessions to Lift the Spirit!

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