...Concerning Presidents... and Libraries

This weekend's calendar holiday marks President's Day -- a day we celebrate the combined birthdays of our two forefathers, Lincoln and Washington. 

Past and present Presidents have been thought to be wise, and many of their quips have been documented to inspire us.

Many of these Presidents (and their wives!) appreciated and advocated education in the form of the public library.

Nothing would do more extensive good at small expense than the establishment of a small, circulating library in every county, to consist of a few well-chosen books, to be lent to the people of the county, under such regulations as would secure their safe return in due time.  - Thomas Jefferson, 1809

The Athens County Public Libraries have proudly sustained 7 branches throughout the county.

Libraries like all other institutions must grow and adapt to changing requirements and conditions. The rate of change in the world today and in our knowledge of it is incredibly fast. We cannot afford to let our libraries slip behind. - John F. Kennedy, 1963

Our county libraries have continued to keep up with technology.  From acquiring free public computers for patrons, to copiers and faxes, and now with digital downloads and help sessions for tablets, cellphones, email and computers, we strive to serve you best.

Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library.   The only entrance requirement is interest. -- Lady Bird Johnson

Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers.  And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open. -- Laura Bush

At the moment that we persuade a child, any child, to cross that threshold, that magic threshold into a library, we change their lives forever, for the better. -- President (then Senator) Barak Obama

We strive to be relevant to the public through intelligent and engaging programming for adults and children alike. 

If in other lands the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our efforts here to keep them free. – Franklin Delano Roosevelt       

If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all. -- Senator John F. Kennedy, October 1960

Though recent times have been difficult with unemployment rates rising (and then falling ever-so-slightly), and with budget cuts occuring across the nation, doors have been closing to important businesses and establishments.  Athens County Public Libraries have maintained a standard of continuing to keep our doors open at all 7 branches to provide you with clean, comfortable spaces for your education and entertainment needs. 

We think Presidents past and present would be proud, don't you?  :)