A strong public library is a hallmark of a strong community.

Public libraries educate and inform; they promote literacy and build community; they house history and knowledge; and they share all of that with the community.

And when a library begins to outgrow its building and its facilities, that presents a welcome challenge.

That’s just what’s happening at the Troy Public Library, where strong leadership and community support have grown the library to more than 10,000 cardholders. Year-round activities ­ from a summer reading program to the proactive Teen Board ­ make the library a vital part of the community that is quickly outgrowing its existing facility.

The library, along with its non-profit "Friends of the Library," is raising funds to provide "seed money" for a new library facility. With nearly $30,000 pledged to date, the library staff and friends are taking their appeal public in an effort to generate support from the community.

While the City of Troy operates and maintains the library, a combination of public and private funding is likely needed to build a new facility. To that end, organizers are simply trying to build momentum of public donations to establish the grassroots support for the library. Once that support, and that "seed money" is in place, library leaders can ask the city for funds and can start

seeking outside grants and funding sources.

It’s a worthwhile effort. Troy deserves a strong, vibrant and growing public library. And we believe the city and the community should both support the growth of this library.

 

Contact Us

Letters: Send your commentary to the Troy Messenger.

News tips: Have a story or tip for our staff?

Subscribe: Get the Troy Messenger delivered to your door or mailbox.