Theresa Vargas’s Feb. 18 Metro column, “Adults and kids alike combat empty shelves in Md. school library,” reported on the library book crisis at Oxon Hill Elementary School. Her straightforward description of the situation at the school — including the remarks of children who gamely read books over again because there aren’t any others available, the comments of dedicated administrators who search for resources, the efforts of the library staff and earnest parents to fundraise — should inspire an outpouring of support for the school’s make-a-library project.
How do schools in low-income areas in our state fund sorely needed programs (a library!) when their budgets are already sunk with needing to ensure that hungry kids get a decent lunch?
Now, Ms. Vargas has given Oxon Hill Elementary a chance to move ahead. (Yes, there are many schools in the state in Oxon Hill’s predicament, but let’s start with what we know.)
I challenge giving-minded folk to step up. Ms. Vargas reported that the community has collected $9,000 toward a $25,000 book-buying goal. So a measly $16,000 is still needed to get the empty school library shelves filled.
C’mon, now: Post newsroom staff, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), members of the legislature, library science majors at Bowie State University and the University of Maryland, schoolchildren in D.C.-area private prep schools, high rollers/wannabes at National Harbor casinos, etc.: As little as $1 to $5 each can do it. Tell others!
Yes, my check is already written.
Susan Zator, Towson
