It's library's turn to have our support

Back in 2009, the bridge on Ardmore Avenue, which allows us to travel over the railroad tracks south of North Avenue, was closed for extensive repairs.

I remember thinking that it seemed too inconvenient, unnecessary, and a waste of funds. "Why not just patch it up cheaply somehow?" I thought.

Well, I, as did the rest of us, adapted for those three years. We simply went around the problem. While we may well have driven by and glanced over our shoulders to see its progress, in time it became a waning point of interest.

Life went on, and when the bridge reopened in 2012, I remember it was a welcomed return of a convenience. It was far more vital for commerce and emergency services, but its closing had very little impact on me personally.

What does this have to do with the Villa Park Library? Well, the bridge is infrastructure, as is any other road, waterway, or utility. The library, while considered infrastructure as well, is far more important than that. It provides us with knowledge, entertainment, and education, not only for children, but adults, too. Its programs are vital to many of us, regardless of the level of income. It represents our very culture in the form of books, magazines, music, film and more.

Since 1969, our library has been there for us. It is now our library's turn, our bridge to knowledge, to be repaired and expanded. Even if you, personally, don't make use of it, take this opportunity to think about your neighbors that absolutely need it. The monetary cost to us is negligible over the course of 20 years. Our library needs us.

I'd sooner do without a bridge, wouldn't you? I'm voting yes on this referendum on April 4.

Frederick H. Crook

Villa Park