We spend a lot of time in this space talking about downtown development, tourism, transportation, and economic development.

But we haven’t really spent any time talking about public libraries.

Most of us take libraries for granted. They’ve always been a part of our lives — and they’re typically supported rather silently through local taxes.

Michelle Sanson, a Cleveland native and fund raising consultant for the Erie County Public Library Foundation, noted this fact in a recent e-mail message and asked that we inject libraries into some of our broader discussions.

Here’s the case she states:

Erie reminds me very much of Cleveland. Both cities are struggling with a terrible economy and challenging social issues. There are several different groups with different agendas all trying hard to make a difference, but they have no common vision. Sometimes, it is just downright depressing!

In Cleveland, though, there is a very strong effort to regionalize many initiatives: emergency services, tourism, joint purchasing programs etc. Business people and mayors both see the benefits in developing this type of approach. Perhaps one of the best examples of our county-wide services is the Cuyahoga County Public Library system (CCPL). In fairness to Erie, libraries in Ohio are extraordinarily well-funded. But here in Pennsylvania and Erie County, I am aghast at how quickly library services can be cut because they are not mandated services. If this sounds like a “plug” for supporting the Erie County Public Library, it absolutely is! The Library Foundation is in the process of building two new branches in the county: one in Edinboro and one in Fairview (West County). We are doing okay in Edinboro, but we really need more help from the Fairview community.

Public libraries are every bit as important as public schools. They are an essential element of an educated and democratic society. Libraries are important for retaining a community’s past, but even more important for supporting a community’s future. If our taxes covered absolutely everything in a library, we would not be asking for funds. But taxes do not cover the cost of new construction, better renovation, new technology and materials. For that, we need the public’s support and generosity.

As you and other Erie folks help to plan and promote Erie’s future, I would really appreciate your including the library in your ideas. We need strong and vocal advocates who understand how vital the Erie County Public Library is for the future of this region.