Letter to the editor: People will welcome new library the same as JRMC

The new medical center in Jamestown opened its doors for public tours this past weekend. I attended with my wife and I can only say the entire area has been given an incredible gift. The new hospital is not only structurally beautiful, it was also designed with the current and future needs of patients and the community in mind.

As a member of the James River Valley Library System board, the similarities between the new hospital and our ongoing efforts to build a new library seemed clear. In a time of shrinking budgets and growing need, both the library and the hospital faced the question, “Why build something new?” The response from both the library and hospital is the same — addressing critical shortages of space and lightning-fast changes in technology is vital to properly serving the community. The new hospital has done this in a way that can make our entire community proud. The library hopes to do the same.

I fully understand the need for adequate roads and sewer systems. They are systems vital to our ability to live in a civilized and healthy way. I would argue that hospitals and libraries are essential as well, but even if they are not, they do something sewers and roads do not. Modern, complete, technologically adequate hospitals and libraries have the potential to grow the community, increasing everything from school enrollment to the number of tax dollars taken in. They help convince new people to move here and encourage current residents to stay. They do not make people come or stay in and of themselves, but they are part of the goals and philosophy of nearly every growing, vibrant, healthy community both in and outside of North Dakota, because they send the clear message, “This is a community that cares.” They provide future benefits on several levels that far exceed the money spent on building them.

For all of the outcry over the new hospital, I heard and saw nothing but positive thoughts and pride when people finally saw it during the recent tours. When the new library becomes a reality, the reaction will be much the same.

The library board and foundation are in the process of reorganizing and planning for a private fund drive effort, which will begin very soon. We hope you will support our efforts and help us make another dream come true for our community.

Jim Nyland

Jamestown

(Nyland is vice president of the James River Valley Library System)

Tags: opinion, letters, hospital, library