Everyone is on a tight budget, but the state has gone downhill fast.

How does the state expect smaller libraries, with no large local populations or businesses, to buy books for people who appreciate the value of an education? For the next year, Lincoln County will receive $1883.85 to buy books for the whole library! This is for books in reference, children, adults, young adults, biographies, etc. If it wasn't for people donating books, we would just as soon close the doors.

The library provides education, entertainment and a chance to all to enrich their lives. How can we expect patrons to come in when we cannot provide even the best-sellers? I wish: I could have one day to talk to someone who cares and actually can make a change in things. They need to listen to people in small communities to see what it is all about.

I am so discouraged at this moment that I want to cry. We have built one of the best libraries in our area. Lincoln County people appreciate and use the library. We are up about 25 percent over last year in usage. If anyone has any answers, I would like to hear them.

Shirley N. Dawkins, Lincolnton

(The writer is manager of the Lincoln County Library in Lincolnton.)