Seems not a day goes by without another chapter to the Jones Library saga. They have again been able to gain access to more funding in the quest to improve and expand the library. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for our elementary school libraries. Our three libraries have lost their paraeducators due to lack of funding. Seems that our combined salaries of under $85,000 is just too much. If you are a supporter of the Jones, please show your support for our younger readers and let the School Committee and interim superintendent know just how important it is to have adequate services at our elementary school libraries. Some of our kids only have access to the library at school. We have highly trained librarians who cannot do what they should be doing because they are busy handling all the tasks that the paraeducators did, all while trying to develop ad teach lessons.

Our libraries serve anywhere from 200-300 students and staff weekly. As the former library paraeducator at Fort River School I am always asked by students why I am not working in the library but still working in the building. Some have even asked why I don't want to work in the library! I tell them that I do want to work in the library, I'm not allowed to anymore. Please let our school officials know that funding our elementary libraries is also vital to the community.

Anne Gage

Amherst