Possum Philosophy: The value of small library branches

By ROBERT CAHILL/Columnist

As most folks in our region know, it is not unusual, in fact it is rather common for Virginia residents from Richmond and farther north to be somewhat out-of-touch with the realities of life here in the Southern Highlands. In fact, that is actually being a bit kind. The reality of the matter is they have almost no clue as to the differences between the regions.
While residents of Richmond and areas north of there may be aware of the differences in per capita income, I do not think they actually realize what the difference means in terms of everyday life.  So it comes as no surprise when, as often happens, they simply do not understand why we find certain laws, rules, actions or comments objectionable.
One good example is road maintenance. The difference is the distance one must commute. For one thing, many of the residents of the far more urban area use mass transit. Here in our area, mass transit is cramming one more rider into your car or pick-up to ride to and from work, which by the way is often many miles each way. Their complaint is they want more roads so they can cut five minutes off their commute.
For folks here, having our secondary roads clear is absolutely imperative, while the rules handed down in Richmond are basically get the interstate and primary roads clear, then, if there is time, work on all those secondary roads. Living on a “secondary road” makes one feel almost like a “second-class” citizen, although they will assure you that is not the case at all.
But the thing that really bothers me, as it should all of us here, is when folks overlook the situation of our local citizenry. That is apparently the case with the Smyth-Bland Public Library. Let me say that I am a fan of public libraries; they are a wonderful asset to any community. Where else can you borrow the latest best-seller to read, the newest music for your listening pleasure, read magazines, a variety of newspapers and even use a computer? And, as long as you meet the due dates and such, it is free. You just won’t find that kind of bargain anywhere else.
I also realize that these are tough times all over. Local governments and local public entities’ budgets are being stretched while the tax revenues are dwindling. Unemployment is still at a scary rate. I know everyone is doing belt-tightening. However, I am still concerned about a recent move.
The Saltville Public Library is a very important part of the community. It is important to area residents for all the above mentioned reasons. It is even more important than usual at this particular time, if for no other reason than computer access. It seems that most places want job applications to be made online now. It gives them a chance to screen applicants without having office personnel tied up handing out applications, answering questions and such. The problem is, unlike the more urban areas and even the larger communities, a surprising number of the people who use the Saltville library do not have home computers or Internet access. And many of those who do must use dial-up to access the Internet, which makes applying for jobs online very difficult at best.
Much of the service area of the Saltville Library covers a wide area of outlying communities. Wi-Fi just isn’t rampant in the hollows and ridges in this area and fiber-optic cable, while coming, is not there yet. These citizens depend on the library for any Internet service they must have. And remember, these days even the DMV charges you extra for many of their already expensive services if you must actually come in to one of their physical offices.
For this reason, a good number of area residents are concerned that the Smyth-Bland Library folks have apparently decided to cut Saltville’s branch hours to only 24 hours per week. It is apparently a cost-cutting measure. At first glance, this might seem sensible. However, all things considered, I and many others who have spoken with me don’t think so.
The Saltville branch has two employees, one works 40 hours, the other only 20. I do not know nor did I ask their salaries but I don’t imagine the amount is all that high. Now yes, there are other costs associated with being open, however, unlike many places, much of these costs are paid by the town of Saltville. According to library employees, last year the branch served well over 20,000 visitors. They estimate more than one-fourth of these come strictly to use the computers and Internet. Pretty impressive figures to me.
The town owns the building and charges no rent on it. It also pays the water-sewer costs, and the electricity and heating/air-conditioning as well. The town does so because it recognizes the valuable services citizens get from the library. In addition, the town just completed a major improvement project on the building, making it an even nicer facility and also a better bargain.
To me, it would appear that serving somewhere in the neighborhood of 20,000 citizens would be important enough to encourage the powers that be to look for other areas to make cuts rather than cutting hours available. After all, though it may not get the publicity it should, good library service is an extremely important factor to the quality of life in any community, especially in less urban areas such as ours.

A freelance journalist, Robert “Rocky” Cahill writes regularly for the News & Messenger. His Possum Philosophy column appears in each Saturday edition.