Wonders 'how do we put a price tag' on library services?

To the Editor:

It is budget time again and, during this economic turmoil, I am acutely aware of a town agency that has saved our family thousands of dollars in the nearly 16 years we have lived here.

That agency is, of course, the New Milford Public Library.

Yesterday, I borrowed 15 books. The printed price of those books totaled more than $200.

Some of those books were pretty old (one hardcover sported a 1972 copyright and a $3.95 price tag --- purchasing that same hardcover book, used, on Amazon today would cost $17 plus shipping so my savings was probably well more than $200.

There have been dozens of times we have taken out close to 30 books, ranging from picture books to fishing manuals. Even at a conservative estimate of eight visits per year and a book/cd/movie value of just $100/visit, that is a savings of $12,000 over a 15-year period.

What? Twelve thousand dollars? This is amazing!

Has there been any cost to me, other than some well-deserved late fines and replacement fees? No. Just my agreement that as a citizen, I will pay my fair share of taxes to ensure these resources are available to everyone.

Very few of us could afford to purchase these items individually but, by pooling our resources, we have gained a valuable community resource. It is understandable that, when town ratings are conducted, library expenditures per capita are utilized as one factor in calculating community desirability.

The value of the New Milford Public Library is beyond just the dollar value of the books, children's tapes, books on tape and, more recently, on CDs, that have smoothed our family car trips over thousands of miles of roads under the spell of a good story.

Specifically, each of our three children has gained an appreciation of reading, fostered by Sue Ford and her staff beginning with her children's story time. As our children have grown and their reading preferences and abilities have developed, her guidance and suggestions have assisted them and me.

Always, this advice has been given with a smile and twinkle in her eye with the magic and excitement of books. How do I begin to put a price tag on that?

Personally, the library has served as a workplace, a meeting place, a refuge and a resource. The reference desk staff has answered my questions, and I have defrayed the costs of book club participation.

I hope the next generation of children in our growing town has an expanded junior library.

For now, I am incredibly thankful for the resources, entertainment and guidance the library and its staff has provided for my family and me. And for the thousands of dollars it has saved us.

Ann Hartman

New Milford