Rappold's Barber Shop
Since 1906
Downtown Hurricane

ON THE MARK... Museum And Libraries
Commentary
By Mark Hallburn
Publisher
PutnamLIVE.com

The recent closure and re-opening of The Museum in the Community and the

voter’s rejection of a

special Library Levy speak

volumes about the mindset

of many in Putnam County.

People aren’t interested in spending money for the arts and libraries in Putnam County. And the Clueless Putnam County Commissioners, Stephen Andes, James H. “Jim” Caruthers, Jr., and Raymond “Joe” Haynes long ago abandoned their civic duties to properly support either facilities.

As a result, both our museum and our libraries are struggling financially, despite the fine work that they do for Putnam County residents and visitors.

Some have suggested closing the museum. Others say with the Internet libraries are no longer necessary. Neither is correct.

But both share interests: Education, arts, and culture, and the love to share with enthusiasm.

So why not merge the two systems?

The beautiful Museum in the Community in Valley Park would make a wonderful shared location with the Hurricane Library. The building can be expanded to house a relocated library which is in a tiny building next to Hurricane Middle School. The two can share exhibits, boards, staff, and expenses. The location in Valley Park near the community center and Waves of Fun makes it a perfect one-stop site for Putnam County Families.

The sharing of museums, libraries, and parks is done successfully around America in many towns, providing great places for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Elsewhere in Putnam County Museum in the Community can expand its presence and presentation by providing exhibits to the branches of Putnam County libraries bringing more interest in both facilities to library and museum patrons.

The cost of expanding The Museum in the Community could be recovered by selling the Hurricane Library building. And the Putnam County Commission needs to step up to the plate and pay off the $600,000 Museum in the Community mortgage. The commissioners also need an attitude adjustment: Our Museum in the Community and our libraries are Putnam County assets, not financial liabilities. They need better support from our commissioners as well as from the community.

Both are worth visiting. Both can share their wonderful work. And both would be stronger for sharing that work for all of us to enjoy!