Value of small town life

To the Editor:

I have written dozens of letters to the editor over the years. But approximately one of them has ever left the confines of my scrambled brain. I’m full of opinions, just ask my husband. But I’m pretty sure no one is all that interested in reading about them.

So, I’ll stick to the basics here. What do you value about small town life? I’ve lived in the Bethel area since 1987, and I love that most of the things I need are here.

Groceries, a pharmacy, basic medical services, stable schools, outstanding outdoor spaces, a good job, a reliable car mechanic, a post office with helpful clerks, cool things like a bowling alley and a Historical Society and a town common and a bakery (the cool things list could go on), a group of citizens diverse in age, interests, income, opinions, and talents.

I even met my spouse and raised a family here. Oh, and a small (but mighty) library that’s been operating continuously since 1879.

Wait what?? You read that right. That’s a long time for a small non-profit, privately run institution to operate uninterrupted (even during Covid). Did you know that although our library acts like a typical public library, a majority of its funding comes from donations, fundraising events, and grants?

Although the library relies (with gratitude) on some funding from area towns each year, this accounts for less than a third of the costs of keeping this place open. That’s right. The library raises most of its own funds.

To provide all of us free access to information and a range of services 6 days a week. In other words, Bethel and its neighbors are getting a smoking good deal. That is, if you think libraries are important to the fabric of small town life. Is this something of value? You can decide. Is it guaranteed into the future? Absolutely not.

Please come visit the library soon; if not the building, then the website www.bethellibrary.org. Come and meet Library Director Kelcy when she returns from maternity leave. Until then, visit with the kind staff who will be happy to let you know about what the library offers.

Consider becoming a regular supporter. Like Bethel, this library is alive, with its feet planted firmly in the past, its hands and heart in the here and now, and its eyes on the future.

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