To the editor:

One of the many contributions of Ben Franklin to our country’s history was, as we learned in school, his work in establishing a library system in America. He noted with pride some years later that visitors to Philadelphia were impressed by the intelligence of its citizens, which he rightly connected to this creation.

In the Aug. 7 millage election in Dorr Township, we have an opportunity to further his vision. Even with some modest help from the township, our Dorr library today operates on a budget smaller than any library I’ve ever seen. They are therefore asking for a millage increase to 0.798. Before you reject their modest request out of hand, I’d like to make a reasonable case for a “yes” vote.

Besides being a place to check out books and movies, a funded library system likely will increase your property values. Homes near libraries are considerably more valuable than those more distant. It is a quality of life issue, and because of this effect nearly everyone likes to live near libraries when given the option.

They are good for local businesses. If you’re in town to use the library, it’s common to pick up other things you need right in town rather than waiting to stock up outside of town on the weekends.

Libraries give parents more options to become an integral part of their children’s education rather than simply leaving it all to someone else. It has been my experience that they also provide a decent gathering place for community events.   Further, they grant local citizens access to technology and assorted data bases to connect potential workers with decent jobs that match their skills — a benefit to both parties.

When your children are home from school or college they can be used for serious research. In fact, they even provide services like internet, faxing, and printing for all of us when our home technology crashes.

With this reasonable requested increase, the Dorr Community Library can increase hours and staff, add to their collections, fulfill more specific requests, and update their facilities. They can continue to access books and movies with their partner institutions, as well as providing spaces for local groups and organizations.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush recently contended that, “Libraries have always seemed like the richest places in the world to me, and I’ve done some of my best thinking and learning thanks to them.” These are not inconsequential values.

Michael Rydman,

Dorr Township resident, 14 years