As a resident of Everett that values information, opportunity and inclusion, I am writing to urge my fellow community members to approve Everett’s Proposition 1. This measure is critical to sustain funding for essential public services, including libraries, parks, social services and more.
Along with infrastructures for utilities and roads, social infrastructure is equally important.
Public libraries are examples of social infrastructure that bring multiple layers of benefits. Visit our Everett Public Library, and you will see they do far more than just provide books. They offer free legal clinics, act as a cooling center during extreme heat, provide safe and supportive spaces for youth, and offer access to social workers. You will see people reading books, neighbors working together to complete puzzles, parents connecting during storytime, and people using technology and accessing assistance that may otherwise be beyond their reach.
The Everett Public Library has already absorbed budget cuts, yet still manages to provide outstanding service to our community. However, as the Everett Public Library Board of Trustees has shared, it cannot absorb further reductions without negatively impacting services. Rejection of Proposition 1 will reduce the essential library services that are available to our community.
It’s not always easy to see the impact of your vote. But if you want to understand how Proposition 1 will support our essential social infrastructure and quality of life in Everett, all you need to do is visit our public library and you will see many reasons to vote to approve Proposition 1.
Abigail W. Cooley
Everett
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