The very same day the library board decided to close the Morrison Regional Library in SouthPark, the ABC board decided to open a liquor store only a block away from that library.
Several viewers with a sharp eye on the news, e-mailed NewsChannel 36 about that.
Sad Day Indeed
It’s always amusing to me that the public good consists of what the local, state and federal governments determine it to be; rarely is it thought out in a fashion that incorporates planning, and retrospection of whether the adaptations considered will bring about positive longterm changes in the quality of life of those in society. More often, a thought is passed into law, changes quickly made and the decisions of others are left to flounder along; with little thought about the repercussions to those who must now live with the decision. What can we really say about the fact that an ABC store was chosen over a library? Should we be surprised, mad, or upset; until people start claiming their communities as their own and realizing that they have the voice to change decisions plan on seeing more libraries fall by the wayside – let’s drink to that!
Charlotte News…
Oh, Stewart Watson, you need to check your facts a bit better. I work for Charlotte/Mecklenburg library system, and Morrison’s not closing – they’re just going to reduced hours. (The board was originally planning on closing 12 branches, but our patrons raised enough of a fuss that they decided to keep all of the branches open on a reduced schedule instead.) Also, ABC stores here are largely controlled and funded by the state – the libraries are mainly funded by the county. It IS a shame that the local ABC board is more responsible with the management of its stores than the county board of commissioners is with our libraries, but it’s not as if the residents of SouthPark suddenly decided they’d rather have booze instead of books. Things don’t look great for us now, but they’d be even worse if our library users hadn’t rallied for us the way they did – now if only the county board would really listen…
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