Letter to the South Hadley Public Library

March 30, 2006

180 North Main Street
South Hadley MA 01075

Meg Clancy
Youth Services Librarian
South Hadley Public Library
27 Bardwell St.
S. Hadley MA 01075

Dear Ms. Clancy:

I am writing in response to a story in the March 17 Town Reminder. I am writing to commend you, Ms. Howe-Soper, and the South Hadley Public Library for your initiative to work with the Gay-Straight Alliance.

I first used the South Hadley public library almost fifty years ago. Since then, in my hundreds of visits to the library, I have always felt that I was welcome, and whenever I have needed it, the staff has always answered my questions.

Such is the nature of a good public library. It makes everyone welcome, and it reaches out to the community to be of service. It provides a resource to people with questions, even difficult questions, and it does not judge whether a question or issue is legitimate.

In the past, a gay teen might have had nowhere to turn for information. Now, finally, our society is correcting that problem, in different ways. In our complex world, where knowledge is increasingly the key to success in life, our libraries are being called upon to provide information and help to our teenagers, and to others, that other institutions in our society cannot or will not provide. I applaud you for rising to this challenge. I am pleased to see our library once again opening its doors to all who seek information and your initiative increases the pride I have in holding a card from the South Hadley Public Library.


Sincerely,



Robert G. Judge


Copy:
Margaret Howe-Soper
Director
South Hadley Public Library