Metro Library Network provides great service

The Metro Library Network (public libraries of Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion) have worked together for decades to provide the best library service in the state dollar for dollar. Our libraries also provide service to rural Linn County and several smaller cities, each paying their fair share in keeping with what our tax payers contribute.

Recently, the City of Palo chose to contract with the City of Shellsburg in Benton County rather than the Metro Library Network. While the Shellsburg agreement offers a much lower price, it doesn't address the central issue - Palo residents want to use our libraries. They are convenient to where they work, do their business and play every day.

In order to be good stewards of tax dollars, the Metro Library Network will not honor the Shellsburg arrangement with Palo. We do look forward to renewing an agreement with Palo to provide great service for the residents of Palo. We simply cannot do this for pennies on the dollar compared with what our citizens contribute.

We urge the residents of Palo to work with their City Council to renew an equitable arrangement with our libraries to the benefit of all.

Bob Pasicznyuk, Cedar Rapids Public Library director

Jeaneal Weeks, Hiawatha Public Library director

Doug Raber, Marion Public Library director