DEAR EDITOR:

I am a proud Poland resident and a proud Mahoning County voter!! I presently serve on several community boards and these experiences allow me, I believe, to have a pulse of our community. I would like to address the possible closing of the Poland Library. This decision will not only affect the people of Poland, but all residents of Mahoning County.

“This landmark belongs to each of you!!”

The library was built in 2001 and is 24 years old. It was built in the center of Poland with the purpose of encouraging walkability for the students attending school in the middle of town.

“The present building suits that need!”

A fundraising committee was formed at that time to assist with the cost, and I have pages of names of donors who wanted to be a vital part of this project. A perfect example is that $100,000 was one of the gifts given at that time by a family for the cupola! Many, many gifts, both large and small, made up contributions. These gifts added up to close to one million dollars!

“It is indeed an impressive landmark!”

I urge the board to PLEASE..try to understand the people of our beautiful community and not just decide to …

“Wash your hands of us!”

I’m not quite sure you truly understand the strengths that drive us, and I ask each of you to ponder this: What do the citizens of Venice, Italy, do to deal with the many homes and businesses that are centuries of years old that line their deep waters when they identify a problem?

“They do not abandon them, they retrofit and repair them!”

I do have to admit to you that this issue has caused me to ponder any future library votes on the ballot and many people I have spoken with are feeling the same way! I do believe there is money there to complete the needed repairs while they talk of just closing the doors and building another building elsewhere.

It is my hope that you consider the seriousness of this matter, become aware of the obvious solution and make the right decision!!

PHYLLIS RICCHIUTI

Poland