Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Public libraries are a key element in promoting literacy and intellect, building a community and providing free and open access to a vast amount of information the public would otherwise face challenge and expense in obtaining. Gloucester currently has two public libraries where the community may access only a small portion of information actually available. The quantity and quality of information contained in public libraries is highly dependent on the local taxpayers’ financial investment.

Upon glancing at the amount of money Gloucester annually invests in our public libraries, it is evident their importance to the community is realized by our elected leaders. Unfortunately, upon a closer look at how the money is actually spent, it becomes clearly evident the taxpayers are getting very little return on their investment. In fact, we are giving away several million dollars to lease library spaces instead of owning them.

This year, the board of supervis...