Support greatness with Issue 1

To the editor:

"America's greatness is not only recorded in books, but it is also dependent upon each and every citizen being able to utilize public libraries."

This quote echoes the words of many great men and women on the importance of libraries to a community. Libraries demonstrate knowledge matters. Libraries serve the intellectual and entertainment needs of all people: children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. Libraries support our need to explore, travel, and experience the world around us. Libraries are the soul of a community.

On Tuesday Feb. 2, the voters of Amherst have the chance to vote "yes" to improve the Amherst Public Library. This bond issue will provide the space needed to better support and expand the services the residents have asked for. A vote for our library is a vote to support literacy and education. What greater testament to our wonderful community than to demonstrate how we value education, knowledge, and democracy by supporting this issue?

An American astronomer and astrophysicist may have said it best when he said, "I think the health of our civilization, the depth of our awareness about the underpinnings of our culture and our concern for the future can all be tested by how well we support our libraries."

Libraries are a beacon of hope. Please join with us in making an investment in our future and vote yes. Let's continue to keep Amherst a great place to live.

Steve Sayers

Marie Sayers

Amherst