Losing her beloved library on May 1

As of May 1, 2012, because of library officials, I am losing my library.

In my 14 years, I went to my first story time, attended the science and magic programs (which included going next door to the fire house and having a fireman drop my egg from the top of the high hook ladder), many crafts programs including picture frames, a SpongeBob figure, making a bulletin board, organic spa program, cookie decorating, shrinky dinks, make ooblick, tie dye shirts, took a baby-sitting course, played checkers, attended Easter and Halloween parties and parades, summer reading program, made a race car out of a coffee can and raced other students, learned about geodes, movie nights, and put my collection of Mickey Mouse ears in the showcase. This is only some of what I can remember doing.

After May 1, I may never be able to do any of those things because I will be a nonresident according to the Elk Grove Library because Schaumburg will no longer give money to support the library, just because I live a little west of a specific road. Even though I am too old to do some of those things with Mrs. M. and Mrs. Clark, what about the kids who haven’t had a chance to do any of the things I’ve done?

Instead of spending my summer watching TV, I would normally ride my bike to the library. Now, I will no longer be able to, because the Schaumburg Library is about 4½ miles away.

You may think it is just a library but it is so much more. It’s a place where kids beg their parents not to leave, it is where I’ve made best friends, and memories to last a lifetime. You are depriving kids who will never have the chance to do these great things.

My sister and I were lucky to get these chances. What about the kids who are just beginning their journey and haven’t had the full experience of the Elk Grove Library?

Ashley Pincenti, 14

Elk Grove Village