With the board of Park Township about to make a decision on continuing to contribute to the Three Rivers Public Library, I thought I would take a moment to ruminate over why I love my Three Rivers Public Library. 

For data people like me, it’s easy to see how much Three Rivers Public Library contributes to our area. Three Rivers Public Library has in one fiscal year, had over 90,000 visits and used over $2.1 million of materials and services for our area. That’s money and resources gained and spent right here. The penal fines (money from tickets, etc.) is money well spent when it goes to this institution. They put it into books, media, and reliable friendly staff that I can always call on (during working hours of course). Those penal fines pay for programs for kids and activities for teens to do. And as someone who grew up in a small town, it’s hard being a teen in a town with little to do. As my children approach teenhood, it’s so refreshing to see Three Rivers Public Library actively working to improve the quality of life for tweens and teens in our area. Even in times of COVID there have been resources and materials for them. 

Now there are other libraries in this county, and they are all fantastic institutions, but Three Rivers shines in our area for multiple reasons. This library is the newest and most modern library in our county. The old library while open, was dark and noisy especially when kids were being kids. I know I would nervously glance around the area to make sure we weren’t disturbing anyone when my kids wanted to play with the kitchen and have a play restaurant.  Now kids have a place for them to be kids that is private, open, and airy. Despite COVID, my kids have been begging to go see the library’s new kids and teen space. While they’re bummed about not getting to play with the toys, their eyes light up when they see the space open and bright just waiting for them to explore. 

Adults have their own meeting space that will be large enough to host many different kinds of events specifically for adults. Painting parties, crafting programs, book clubs, and other kinds of programs will be available once COVID is more under control. 

The programs are unique and engaging. Library programs have certainly evolved beyond my day of story time for toddlers. Programs are opening up for kids, tweens, teens, and adults of an eclectic variety. Offering programs like Anime and writing clubs, a D&D style table top gaming for tweens and teens, and much more. 

Three Rivers Public Library has utilized every resource available to be as open as possible for our community. From Mr. B, the children’s librarian, doing virtual story time to curbside services for patrons. The library has tackled challenges head on, all while trying to get a building ready for the public. 

I realize there have been some issues between Park Township and the Three Rivers Public Library in the past. Those past issues can leave a bad memory from the last contract negotiations, but there are some things to keep in mind. A lot has changed since then. Leadership has changed from the director to the board. The library has had fresh leadership at the helm navigating the tricky waters of a new library and a fresh board. 

I am a proud supporter of all libraries. My children from a young age have been active library members and I want them to continue to have access to a great place like Three Rivers Public Library. So, Park Township residents, if you love your library or you know of someone in your area who does, make sure you attend the Park Township meeting on Wednesday March 10, 2021 at 7 p.m. and let them know how much value being a part of such a great library is. 

Amanda Yearling is a librarian and writer who has made Three Rivers her home.