DUMMERSTON — Free access to information is critical to a democracy. That's why it is upsetting to see the hours of the Brooks Memorial Library, the public library in Brattleboro, reduced due to budget cuts, and why it's a problem that residents of smaller towns like Guilford and Dummerston have free access only to tiny libraries with very limited hours.
Most U.S. states allow any resident to check out books from any library in their state. I encourage everyone to contact their state legislators and ask them to increase state funding for libraries, and to create a free, statewide library card for all Vermonters.
Your legislators' names and contact info are available at www.vermont.gov and your local library.