Here for the Books, and More

Just days after Cobb County commissioners and avoided a massive system-wide proposed closure of 13 library branches, East Cobb Patch wanted to talk to moms about their use of the library’s resources and what they’d do without them.

Dee Swann is a work-from-home mother of three who range from pre-K to fourth grade. Swann, who works as a trainer in the insurance industry, says she has found books at her local branch that she encourages her staff members to read. For her, borrowing books from the library also lessens the environmental impact of purchasing an increasing number of new books rather than sharing existing ones within the community. She frequents the Mountain View Regional Library.

Sharina Gandy is a new resident of East Cobb and moved only seven months ago from Fort Bragg in North Carolina. When East Cobb Patch met her, Gandy had just moments before completed her application at the East Marietta library and received her new Cobb County library card. Although her son Taj is only two, she is already exposing him to the joy of "reading" picture books and wants to use the library as an opportunity for him to meet other toddlers. Gandy also wants to use the library as way to become acclimated to her new community.

Q: How do you use the library’s resources?

A: Dee Swann: I always check the library’s lists of recommended books. I also go there for magazines every month, and I like to check out books on CD. It’s very cost-effective. I borrow books from the library to see if I really like the book before I’ll go buy it. I’ve got to love it before I purchase it. I’m not one of those people who have stacks of books at home on the bookshelf. The libraries are mine; I pay for them, and I want to use them because they are convenient and I can personalize my selections.

A: Sharina Gandy: It’s always nice for him [Taj] to be around other children. His dad and I love to read, and we want to instill that in him. We’ve read to him since he was in the womb. And it’s important for his development and his growth to interact with children his age, so we will be taking advantage of Toddler Storytime here. We want him to be involved.

Q: What would you do if your library were no longer available?

A:  Dee Swann: I’d be heartbroken. It’s a big part of our lives. Maybe I’d have to look at online resources, I don’t know, like internet-based book shares and book clubs. For me, though, the local library offers convenience, and that’s important.

A: Sharina Gandy: If we had to, we’d travel to another branch, but it’s more convenient for us here because we live nearby. For people who don’t have any means of transportation, having a branch nearby is convenient. Overall, we’d miss the friendly staff and the activities available here, and of course the ability to check out books. In fact, the lady upstairs [at the library's first-floor checkout desk] just helped me complete my application. We just got our library card today! So we plan to be here quite often.