We're so lucky

We are lucky because we missed the ice that is plagueing southern Missouri. We're cold, but no sliding so far.

It is sad here. I think the economy tanking hit us first a few years ago. This past week I've had patrons tell me of more sudden layoffs than I can count. Twenty here, sixty there. We have no job possibilities left. Our people don't know where to turn for help. I had a gentleman tell me yesterday that he had to walk 5 miles (to our nearest town) because he needed groceries and didn't have gas in his car. Sad. The economy has helped th library patronage though. We are still free, but we already know we are operating in the red this year, and we can't keep that up very long.