Over the last seven years in my role at the Alpena Downtown Development Authority, I’ve had the privilege of seeing firsthand the impact the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library has in our community.

I’ve seen young professionals using it as a place to work remotely. I’ve seen tutors and students meeting. Adults studying for their GED. Kids and caretakers there for storytimes and crafts and meet-ups. New homeowners researching the history of their house or property owners using their archives to write grants to restore and preserve their buildings. On average, around 200 people enter their doors each day, making the library one of downtown’s largest draws.

Their $3.7 million renovation completed in 2021 has been one of the — if not the — largest renovation project completed downtown during my tenure. A huge investment by the community, for the community.

A no vote on the library’s upcoming millage is community self-sabotage.

There has been so much positive momentum in our community over the last five years. New residents discovering our side of the state, young families moving back, businesses opening their doors, and buildings getting new life. The library has been an invaluable player to further these efforts and enhance Alpena’s quality of life.

It is baffling that anyone would want to put a stop to that over some pages in a book. It has happened in other communities, and I fear it could be a reality here. An empty library building would be detrimental to our downtown’s health as a whole district.

On Aug. 6, I encourage you to vote yes to renew our library’s millage to continue Alpena’s continued trajectory of growth.

ANNE GENTRY,

Alpena