Library annexation is the current topic of conversation in Enumclaw. Newspaper articles, a list of frequently asked questions and answers, and letters to the editor of The Courier-Herald are being circulated. Comments are appearing in Patch. Conversations in coffee shops and on the street are ongoing. A decision will be made by April 17.

It is hard to imagine Enumclaw, situated in the midst of great scenic beauty, a place where family values and quality of life are a priority, without a library.

Yet that may happen if annexation to King County Library System (KCLS) is not successful.

Although City Administration has not said what will happen if there is no annexation, they have not identified funds for operation past 2012.

We need our library. It serves every segment of our community. I’d like to share with you my observations of what occurs regularly in the library. An old gentleman comes in each morning to read the daily paper or look up stock market quotations; a young mother with a baby in a stroller and a toddler in the children’s section picks out books to take home, the mother spends time to read to the children, the toddler is so excited to be able to take books home. Adults are checking out mysteries and magazines and current books; teenagers are browsing in the young adult section and chatting about “The Hunger Games.”

At all times there are persons of all ages on the computers and often there is a waiting list. Homeschooled children and private school children come to the library for resource material. Meetings often occur in the two meeting rooms and the Friends of the Library book sale occurs once a year.

The busy comings and goings of all ages serves as a fitting backdrop to the magnificent monument that celebrates Enumclaw’s logging heritage, which has come to identify our city in the minds of many of our visitors.

One might say that the library serves as Enumclaw’s cultural center.

If annexation to KCLS fails, there may be no library in Enumclaw.

Another thought to consider: city residents will no longer be able to use their KCLS card and will not be able to purchase one through KCLS.

Annexation to KCLS will allow continuation of library activity and improve upon a well-established “crown jewel” in the heart of our community.

I encourage you to vote “yes” for annexation. By doing so, you will secure continued quality of life for our children, young adults, teenagers, mature readers and our older folks.

Barbara Braun

Enumclaw

Note: Barbara Braun is part of the team preparing the “pro” annexation statement that will appear in the Voters Pamphlet.