One Survey You Have to Take

One Survey You Have to Take~ Ventura County

Many services have been cut in Ventura County due to the economic pressures that seem very prevalent today.

Most heart breaking are the ones that involve young children and the elderly.

And up there with the ones that are hard to take are the ones that affect our local libraries.

Libraries are not just the place our children use to finish that school project but a social community in itself.

They offer a wide variety of services to the community like passports and aid to seniors with tax assistance. They host local community forums, book clubs and fun projects for children and young adults.

Libraries are the key to adult literacy, the secret plague of today's society.

They are a source, utilizing  different media, for learning and enjoyment, including the audio, digital and video variety. I especially enjoy "reading" or "listening" to audio books.

The city of Ventura has already suffered the closing of one its libraries. And the city of Camarillo has had its library withdraw for the County Network of Libraries.

We cannot afford to have any more damage done to our libraries or to its network. Not only will we suffer the personal consequences but the educational future of Ventura County will be lessened.

Many people often say, "What can I do to help?" "What will the words of one person do?"

Well, for once we are being asked our opinion and we need to make our voice heard. The Library Strategic Plan Steering Committee is using the survey to gather input.

We are being urged to share ideas and desires for future library services, and plans for the future as part of a city wide survey.

All residents, whether they use the library or not, are urged to participate in the 11 question survey which can be completed online or in person through May 27, 2011, in English or Spanish. Print copies also can be found at three locations: E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St.; Ventura Avenue Library, 660 N. Ventura Ave.; and Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., Room 226.

The committee will present an update to the City Council on June 16 and in October. The committee ultimately will make a recommendation on whether Ventura should continue to participate in the Ventura County Library System or seek an alternative arrangement.

We must lend our voice to this decision. I took the survey and it is painless. Please do what you can do help save our dwindling resources in Ventura County.

Ventura County is still a great place to live and work. If you would like assistance in finding your perfect home here, please contact me at sandi.homes@gmail.com