The Arizona Department of Education continues to cut its federal funding to school districts like Mesa Public Schools. Tom Horne is planning to cut another 10 million from education in the next three years. How could this be possible? I don’t know. As an Educator, I am appalled at the lack of personnel and human support to mold young minds and eager learners. Without librarians in our schools who will take the time to help students learn to love research, open that new book, and encourage a life long learner to read? Give more jobs to the aides who are paid less, you say? Do we really need qualified teachers? How about qualified doctors, lawyers, or pharmacists?
If you’re interested in being apart of this discussion to know why librarians are the first to go then you can call the 472-0201 and ask to put this topic on the agenda at the next MPS Board meeting on May 14th at 7 pm. I encourage you to attend your local school district’s board meetings and meet with a school board member to address your concerns. If funding is cut at the heels how far do we go until we have automated instruction for our youth? Please press one for math…two for science… You get the picture.
I believe not only are librarians in schools essential but also have a city library open later than 5 PM Fri. - Sun. is also very important. My children & I love to read but can’t afford to go buy books at Borders or Barnes & Noble (who stay open until 10PM), frankly, we can’t even afford to go to Bookmans for 1/2 price books very often. That is why having the library is so important. Today I got to the library just after 5 PM & realized it had just closed. While I was in the parking lot for only a few minutes I saw 4 other families arrive in hopes to visit the library as well and I am sure they were as disappointed as I was. We are lucky enough to have internet access at home but I am sure there are families who rely on the library for that luxury. The library is an important asset for students who are writing reports for school as well. I have done an internet search trying to find a phone # or e-mail address to try to get my voice heard and get others to do the same. The library hours need to be extended Fri. - Sun. in Mesa. The post office is open until 6 pm, book stores are open until 10 pm. Why does the library close at 5 pm?????
T Wright,
I completely agree with you about having the libraries in Mesa open longer on the weekends and on Sunday! The hours were cut due to budget constraints; voters made that decision when voting against the property tax issue. Many budget hearings took place at the time in an effort to educate residents.
While a member of the City of Mesa Library Board I stood at Red Mountain Libray on a Sunday, counting the cars and families that came to visit and explaining why the library hours were cut. It was sad to see so many young people turned away, not able to do what is so advantageous to learning - reading, research, and doing their homework.
I don’t know, but maybe residents were not paying attention during that vote or didn’t believe what they were told about cutting some services. Look on the City of Mesa website, the Library is listed their - also contact information the area you wish to email.
Thanks for your input!