Superintendents from across Jefferson County have unanimously voiced their support for the library initiative, the Jefferson County Library Board announced in a recent news release. The proposal would fund the construction of a 35,000 square foot new main library in downtown Pine Bluff and significant upgrades to the Watson Chapel branch. People living outside the city limits of Pine Bluff will vote on a similar measure to improve and expand county library branches in White Hall, Redfield and Altheimer.
Superintendents Michael Robinson of the Pine Bluff School District, Connie Hathorn of the Watson Chapel School District, Barbara Warren of the Dollarway School District and Larry Smith of the White Hall School District echoed similar statements that libraries and schools go hand in hand.
Many students go to the library immediately after school to complete their homework. The superintendents particularly support the library initiative because of the homework assistance the libraries provide their students. The proposed initiative will increase these after school programs by offering a “Homework Hotel,” larger computer areas and study alcoves.
Of the many benefits of this library initiative, the one with the most impact will be increased access to computers and technology for people of all ages. If passed, the initiative will provide the purchase of many more computers and expanded multimedia centers at every library branch in Jefferson County.
Each superintendent has made a direct appeal to voters to support the library initiative. Noting that this opportunity, at such a low cost, is very rare and should be championed by all voters, according to the library board’s news release.
“This is our chance to really do something positive for Jefferson County. In a world where politics seems to be defined by negative attacks, this issue is defined by the promise of Jumpstarting Jefferson County; something we all agree is needed,” the board said in the release.
The library board welcomes voters and volunteers to learn more at JumpstartJeffersonCounty.org about this initiative and to contact the campaign at jumpstartjeffersoncounty@gmail.com