Mr. Bill Allen, Natchitoches Parish Councilman, makes a good point when he says “God helps those who help themselves.” It is a common saying, but it is not scripture from the Bible. The Parish Council wishes to help “themselves” to the allocated library funds. The library plans to use its funds to create and sustain branch libraries in Robeline and Natchez, to buy a new bookmobile, and to provide wifi in rural areas.
Solvent because of ten years of savings, the library is a good example of those who help themselves, etc. They have monies for new projects and funds to run the next year.
In response to “If your child visits the library often in person rather than go online for access.” (incomplete thought). Eighty-five thousand (85,000) people walked through our main and branch libraries last year. Unbelievable until broken down, 10 people come in every 15 minutes 9 hours a day. They browse or pick up a book, go on the internet, or go to a meeting upstairs. They do after-hours workshops, dance, paint, craft, and exercise.
Total attendance in the 533 children’s programs offered was 21,416. Adults participated in 175 courses, which added up to 2,730 persons. There were 111 off site sessions, which engaged 9,259 people. Total visits to the computer lab in the two branches were 6,652.
Total eBook and other media checked out through Hoopla and Overdrive: 33,605. Total wifi sessions: 20,322. Patrons of the library can and do check out the 128 iPads and laptops offered in the facility. Rural people don’t have to worry about being too far out to use the library’s wifi because of hot spots created for that purpose.
The budget for the Natchitoches Parish Government 2023 can be accessed npgov.org/finance. There are a lot of big numbers there, much bigger than this writer would try to explain. What I can note is The Road Reports from a local paper. These monthly reports show that close to $200,000 to $300,000 per month has been spent to repair the roads in 2022. Can you see it?
Mr. Allen seemed bothered that so many constituents called and said “Don’t raise my taxes FIX MY ROAD.” Whose road? Where? Which one? A road everyone uses?
“MY ROAD” indicates ownership. With ownership comes responsibility and many times money. Most people own cars. They keep them washed, maintained, and fixed. People drive their cars on Natchitoches Parish roads. Driving on the roads causes wear. I agree that our roads are in much need of repair. So shall we pray for repair? help ourselves? ( Raise taxes) or continue to the same old pothole?
Sharon Huey
318-238-4368
Letter to the editor: Bill Allen Addresses Tax Reallocation
