Libraries still worth the money - KOTA Territory News

Libraries still worth the money

Shonti Tager

New technology allows more and more people access to more and more information everyday.

With all the free sharing of information through electronic interfaces these days the question was asked recently if public libraries were still important enough to the communities they serve to warrant tax dollars being spent on them.

According to Librarian Stephanie Bents libraries do a lot more for the community then just store books,

"Helping kids navigate the worldwide web and learning how to read. Helping adults and people of all ages learn how to use the computer and become a vital part of social networking and our online community," Bents said.

Bents added that new technology being utilized actually increases the need for a public library to assist people in how to use the tools to find information they seek.

Library patron Ron Foster pointed out that some people are not fortunate enough to have access to their own computer.

"Yea, some people can't afford the Internet and stuff like that to look up stuff. Plus it's a great place to study," Foster said.

The library encompasses much more these days than people think, Bents expressed. She said they do things like help adults with job search's and resume building skills.