Growing up outside Pleasant Hill, my first glimpses of the Eugene Public Library were through the eyes of my “adopted” grandpa. Though I only visited the old location at 13th Avenue and Charnelton Street with him a few times, I was awestruck by the sheer volume of books. An avid reader, he would retell the biographies he discovered there, sparking a fascination with the stories of others.

Years later, while raising my own children in Eugene, I discovered the library’s true value for families. It wasn’t just about the bags of books we hauled home twice a month; it was about the community. The library provided a space for story hours and a rare venue for parents to connect while our children explored the shelves together. It fostered a yearning for knowledge that has stayed with my children into adulthood.

Now, as a school librarian, I see the library as more than just a building; it is a “great equalizer.” It provides vital access to information for everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.

This voting season, we have the opportunity to ensure the Eugene Public Library continues to serve our community across all three branches. Supporting the library levy means maintaining essential staffing and keeping the doors open during the evenings and weekends when working families need them most.

Let’s rally around the heart of our community. Please join me in voting “yes” for the library levy to protect these critical services for the next generation of readers.

Amy Page
Eugene