Reader wonders why the library receives little resources

To the editor:

When reading the article about our local library in the Jan. 31 issue of the Red Oak Express, I was dismayed to learn that, of the five libraries compared, the Red Oak library is far below in terms of full and part-time employees, budget, funding per resident and yet has the highest circulation of any of the towns by far. The numbers cause me to question whether the people providing funding for this treasure value the library as the resource that it is. The librarians work very hard to provide good service and yet are disrespected when it comes to the funding necessary to hire more employees and continue to purchase new resources for use by patrons.

I have been a lifelong library patron wherever I have lived and can't imagine why the library appears to be neglected. I am aware that the facility is blessed with a number of dedicated volunteers. However, they do not check out resources, buy new materials and help jobseekers with the Iowa Workforce computer.

I have not been asked to write this letter. I am writing it strictly as a concerned citizen who would like for the library to be properly funded and able to hire staff and buy  materials and electronic resources to be able to adequately do their job. Donations by patrons to be used by the staff can only go so far.

Martha Wenstrand
Red Oak