Seventeen! It’s the age of one of my grandchildren, or the name of a teen magazine, or the possible distance in miles between neighbors still in reach of our library.

Libraries count! They truly are the heart of our communities, and I can prove it: our library is not just a clean, well-lighted place for books. It’s where you can go to find electronic media, from popular films to instructional DVDs, and free internet access. All by the turn of a card–a library card, that is. And even if you don’t have one yet, we have tutors to help adults learn to read, or to help fill out job applications and write resumes. We have entertaining and fun crafts for your children to get their hands into. There are programs to open their eyes, their ears, and their minds, whether they’re toddlers or teens. Music, well-trained staff, extra summer programs that present reptiles, raptors, jugglers; what else? Ask!

Seventeen? The length in years since the library district has asked for a raise. Not an additional tax, but only up to what’s already been authorized – you’ve seen the figures; maybe $1.75 a month in a mid-priced house. Vote on the 17th, for your library.

Oh, by the way, Hood River didn’t. They don’t have one anymore.