Editorial: Library will be a valuable resource

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Rosemount's new library opened to great excitement this week, and it's easy to understand why. The Robert Trail Library will be a great resource for Rosemount residents and it couldn't have arrived at a better time.

With people everywhere struggling to make ends meet in a difficult economy Dakota County's public libraries have become an increasingly important part of life for many. From books to movies to computer labs, the modern library offers plenty for families looking to cut their budgets. And people are taking advantage. According to the county library use countywide was up 11 percent.

For some, the library is still mostly a place to check out books. Rosemount librarian Kathy Kleckner said she expects the shelves in Rosemount to be bare in the early weeks as residents rush in to check out the library.

The Rosemount library also has has DVDs for rent and visitors can check out passes that will get from two to four people free admission to the Minnesota Zoo, museums or other attractions. That can go a long way toward planning a family weekend on a budget.

The library is about more than things you can take with you, though. With computers and Internet connections available the library is becoming a valuable resource for job seekers who want to peruse online employment ads or put together a resume. More and more employers are turning to online application systems, making it all the more important for people to have access to a computer.

In Farmington, librarian Mary Scheide has found more and more adults using the library's computer stations during the day. It's too early to say that will be the case in Rosemount, but it seems likely.

We're just glad the library is finally there to provide them the option.

Tags: robert trail library, opinion, rosemount, asset