Terry Gossard: Library's importance immeasurable

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- There is an old English idiom that speaks to the Kanawha County Public Library system as it currently struggles to persevere, "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good."

What lies at the heart of a community, sustaining it and giving it its vibrancy? One might begin with its citizens, young and old alike, a broad ethnic mix. Add to this community collage an assortment of churches, synagogues, mosques and other halls of worship; merchants; hospitals; utility providers; entertainment venues; schools; jurisdictional bodies of governance, dwellings and so on. Each of these entities adds to the vitality of the community by nurturing a synergy that gives life to the community.