Public library is the best bargain you can find

Public library is the best bargain you can find
EDITOR:
Please vote yes on Issue 9 -- the library levy. I know with the cost of living going up and up everyday, our incomes are stretched to the limits. But, this is one tax levy that we can't afford to say no to.
When you think of the library, you might think of it in terms of only books being offered. Our libraries have so much more to offer than just books and they are open to all Mahoning County residents. There are 16 libraries in Mahoning County where you can go to get books, books on tape or CD, magazines, DVDs, videos, CDs and more. For about half the cost of a movie rental per month, Issue 9 will provide access to all the latest movies free from your local library.
The library also has so much to offer our children of all ages. Every month there are special events planned throughout the 16 county libraries for all age groups from toddlers to teens that can range from story telling to guitar lessons. They vary from month to month. There is also a summer reading program that offers incentives to get our children interested in reading, which in the long run helps them do better in school. The summer program also has special events that can range from learning about the space program from a real astronaut to getting to ride a horse, to seeing a play -- all free.
The library of today has so much more than just books. They have a program I just recently discovered for my daughter called Homework Now. This is an excellent tutoring program for school age children that offers free on-line tutoring. Don't have a computer, no problem, The library has computers you and your child can use with Internet access. Don't know how to use a computer? The friendly and helpful library staff is on hand to help.
Did you know there is also a program for seniors and disabled persons who can't visit the library. They can receive books, CDs, videos and other materials at no charge through the Special Outgoing Services (SOS) program.
The library levy is probably one of the few taxes that actually saves you money in the long run. Where else can you go to get all this for about $2.55 per month for the average homeowner, that benefits young and old. So on Nov. 8, please say yes to Issue 9. You can't afford not to.
CINDY COMINSKY
Austintown
Time for a pep talk
EDITOR:
Whenever I hear that someone doesn't vote because they've been disappointed too often by candidates who don't keep the promises they make, I always think of someone who lacks a fighting spirit and needs a pep talk.
Voting allows people to choose candidates they believe are the best qualified to serve and represent them.
The freedoms enjoyed by Americans today are because of the spirit of people years ago who knew some things were important enough to fight for.
On Nov. 8 I strongly urge people to vote and help to keep one of our precious freedoms alive.
MARY LOU JURINA
Youngstown
Torture is un-American
EDITOR:
The Senate passed the McCain amendment to the defense-spending bill, which instructs the U.S. military to follow their own rules about not torturing prisoners, by a 90-9 vote. Three of the extremist senators who voted for more torture, Ted Stevens, Alaska; Thad Cochran, Miss., and Kit Bond, Mo., are on the committee to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the defense bill.
Ted Stevens has already declared he will try to exempt the CIA, the primary offender in acts of illegal torture, from being covered by the provision. The United States does not torture people. An explicit exemption for the CIA would not only pervert the intent of the McCain amendment, it would cut the heart out of existing law and actually weaken prohibitions on such abominable conduct.
Dr. RAY BEIERSDORFER
Youngstown