Teens should be embraced at local library

Posted 11 November 2014 at 12:00 am

Editor:

I recently have become aware of a lot of controversy at our local library. I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. I am not in the middle of it all and don’t have all the facts or reasons people are doing the things they are doing. I know change is hard especially as we get older.

I understand that some of the issues revolve around our teenagers. I am having trouble wrapping my head around this. Why is there any argument over youth from our community wanting to be at the library?

We have poverty, single parent households, abuse, drug use and children don’t want to go home. There aren’t many other options in our community that are safe places to go. This is a wonderful opportunity to start breaking chains of generations!

Teach other options as way of life. Extend a hand of love to make a difference in their lives. Be a positive influence instead of contributing to the anger and disrespect they feel on a daily basis. Build self-esteem and help change our community for the future. “It takes a village to raise a child” was the theme at school when my children were young.

Have we gotten so selfish that we are going keep the oppressed, oppressed? We have the chance to impact the life of a child. Even if it only changes one child’s life, it’s worth it.

You give respect to gain respect. I have lived in this area all my life and have always been proud of that but I have to say, I am not feeling very proud of my community right now!

A concerned citizen,

Theresa J. Mosher
Albion