Several months ago, a preschooler ran past me at top speed. I noticed because my maternal instinct alerted me to the danger of a running child. She then abruptly stopped, turned and glared. Thankfully the glare wasn't directed at me. She was glaring at her mother, who apparently was not moving fast enough.

I would ordinarily expect this behavior when children spot an ice cream truck approaching, but we were at the entrance to the library. This little girl didn't want to be late for Storytime.

Grown-ups usually don't run into libraries, but they do arrive at the doors before the library opens. One morning, I counted 32 adults waiting for the library doors to unlock. In the afternoons and evenings, adults use the library for meetings. These meeting rooms are often used, causing overbooking and resulting in forced rescheduling.

These occurrences demonstrate that Douglas county libraries are an integral part of the communities and their residents need access to their libraries. They demand no less. But in order to keep up with these demands, the libraries seek approval from you, the voter, to increase their resources.

The average cost per household is $25.00 per year. For those who are worried about the economy, which many of us are, this expense can be recouped quickly and easily.

This past summer, in six weeks, with minimal effort, I saved more than $200 in the children's area. Here's how:

We checked out eight Chapter Books instead of purchasing: $80

We checked out four Graphic Novels instead of purchasing: $100

We checked out 10 DVDs instead of renting: $50

To be fair, I will subtract:

Fuel expenses: ($20.00)

Net Savings: $210.00

I later found out that the library offers video games. I could have saved even more.

Those who prefer not to visit the libraries still benefit from better educated community members, improved childhood literacy rates, and lower crime rates, believe it.

Considering how much money can be saved in less than two months at the libraries, as well as the impact on the entire community, I ask, can Douglas county voters afford not to invest in the libraries?

If you decide to do so, the Library initiative is located at the bottom of the ballot sheet. Just vote "yes" and there will be more libraries in DouglasCounty for young children to enthusiastically run into.