Libraries: Vital resources are undervalued in Tacoma

Re: “Tacoma library layoffs hit most of workforce,” (TNT, 5/1).

I was disappointed to see that Tacoma Public Libraries are to remain closed well into the summer.

The subtext of this article is that libraries are a low priority in Tacoma and therefore a place where public revenues can be captured and moved to “higher” services.

Given the present challenges of the virus and the massive layoffs, business as usual in a library is not feasible to be sure. But there is no reason why staffs cannot make accommodations for distancing, as groceries and other outlets demonstrate each day.

When people are seriously looking for jobs and other helpful resources in these challenging times, solid communities see librarians and public libraries as critical assets. They are vital resources to a well-ordered city.

I would hope that the mayor and City Council would recognize this and give appropriate support..

This story was originally published May 6, 2020 at 9:12 AM.