The public library is a cornerstone of society, whether it’s in big cities, suburbs or rural towns. While some may argue the decline in circulation of bound books and other periodicals is a strike against such institutions, we know that public libraries will continue to serve their communities for generations to come.

We are fortunate to have many dedicated and professional librarians in Sullivan County.

Writing in the New York Times in 2018, sociologist Eric Klinenberg said, “Libraries are an example of what I call ‘social infrastructure’: the physical spaces and organizations that shape the way people interact.

“Libraries don’t just provide free access to books and other cultural materials, they also offer things like companionship for older adults, de facto child care for busy parents, language instruction for immigrants and welcoming public spaces for the poor, the homeless and young people.”

This election year isn’t only significant for state and federal elected offices, it affects libraries too.

The Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library located at 479 Broadway in Monticello has trustee petitions available for two 3-Year Terms and One 2-Year Term. Incumbents Richard Arnold, Lynn Skolnick and Maureen O’Meara are not seeking re-election.

Petitions were available starting Monday, August 8th, for the October 12, 2022 election of trustees at the Ethelbert B. Crawford Public Library.

Visit your local public library’s website to learn more about upcoming board of trustee elections.

“Today, as cities and suburbs continue to reinvent themselves, and as cynics claim that the government has nothing good to contribute to that process, it’s important that institutions like libraries get the recognition they deserve,” Klineberg says.

If we hope to see a renaissance of civil society in our country, it’s about time we recognize the importance of these spaces for public information.