To the editor,

Libraries of today are not the same as when we were children. We should not expect them to be. No more than we expect the local police station to function like Andy Taylor and Barney Fife’s Mayberry hangout.

Examples: The River Falls Public Library and the City of River Falls frequently partner to save taxpayers money.

City departments utilize the library’s lower level to meet the needs of large public events. City notifications, full sized maps, and historical documents are kept at the library. My favorite, the city’s use of our library for elections. The library is where the largest electoral district in our city goes to vote.

Free library services are not only for the city. Did you know senior citizens can go to the library and have their taxes done for free? Our library is planning to expand private meeting rooms so a community member can set up a secluded telehealth appointment with their doctor. Groups needing a large meeting room will have quick and easy access to the appropriate technical equipment to bring their message to those attending in-person, or those attending virtually. Check out a movie, or an audio book for your next road trip. And the books. Can’t find what you want? Talk to one of our librarians, they won’t hesitate to assist you.

The library’s services are free to the public, but they are not free to the library’s budget. If you want to support your library and give back to your community, email riverfallspubliclibrary.org or call 715-425-0905, to learn how you can help. Better yet, visit the library and talk to the librarians, see the future vision of what your library can be. Ask what you can do. Please support the River Falls Public Library’s mission to bring the community together and knowledge to all. Be part of the change! Thank you.

Patricia LaRue

River Falls