To the editor of the WDN:

 We encourage a “yes” vote in favor of the Mingo County excess levy mainly because money derived from it, which will not increase current taxation, will help support Mingo County libraries and the children they serve.

As retired educators we have seen first hand the importance of adequately funded libraries through the eyes of our own children, our former students, and the young children we encounter in our volunteer work.  Public libraries and school libraries should be the backbone of a school and community.

On the other hand, we have seen a local college library unable to fund the purchase of needed periodicals and books.

Don’t allow Mingo County libraries to wither — vote “yes” in favor of the excess levy.

A century ago Andrew Carnegie, the Johnny Appleseed of libraries in the United States, said that there is  “no use to which money could be applied so productive of good to boys and girls ... as ... a public library in a community.”

 Chris and Mike Pfaffenberger

Williamson, West Virginia