The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

My oldest daughter, Alyssa, loves being at Weller Public Library. As her mom, I love that she loves it! What better way to foster a passion for reading and learning than to place her in such an environment at an early age?! Also, it has been a wonderful way for her to be introduced to other adults and children outside of our family. She’s learned how to share, practice her manners, and has learned how to be respectful of others (adults and children alike).

On a few different occasions, I have taken Alyssa to the library to spend one-on-one time with her. Being at the library would keep everyday life distractions away and allow for us to have quality time together. Even more so than myself, due to being a working mom, my mother would take Alyssa to Ms. Rosie’s Story Time on Mondays. It’s incredible having a place right here in town that can help foster valuable relationships.

Lillian, my youngest daughter, hasn’t even been to the library yet due to the pandemic. She was born in October 2019. Now that she is a toddler, it saddens me that she hasn’t been able to experience or learn the same things her sister Alyssa has. With the potential sale of the library building, she may not ever be able to. The pandemic has been hard on families. Seeing the library building sold before coming up with a solid plan for continuing services would be heartbreaking for our town and our children.

Jillian Henze spoke up for our children and for our library at the city’s public hearing on May 19. Jillian’s points were solid. She urged the city to come up with a solution for the library building that is a win for the city and a win for our children. This is why I’m supporting Jillian for Waitsburg City Council Position 5. She has energy. She wants to bring neighbors together to solve problems like this. Having Jillian on the council would give moms of Waitsburg, and their families, a voice. A voice that has not been heard at the forefront for quite some time. As you consider the future of our “one-of-a-kind” Waitsburg and Weller Public Library, please keep Jillian’s name in mind at General Election time.

Thank you,

Stephanie Cole

Waitsburg