Georgetown Library Sneak Preview

I read with some consternation that the first public preview of the newly completed voter-approved city library will be a fund-raising event serving alcoholic beverages. I believe that the library is one cultural facility, where the serving of alcohol should be prohibited. Although the city has an ordinance regulating alcohol beverage availability and event permits, perhaps the city council should revisit this area.

With the growth and availability of new public facilities like the Library, Community Center, and Garey Park where these types of events can be held, the council should review the permitted activities allowed in city facilities and the rules for these events. In the spirit of the many progressive ordinances approved by the city council last year that restrict the activities of private businesses and individuals, it should evaluate ordinances of comparable cities in Texas for guidance in this growing area involving public places. Some of these comparable cities forbade the serving of alcohol, or include stipulations for the presence of minors, hiring police security, TABC certified servers, and limiting the serving of alcohol to two hours. (this event is four hours)

I believe that the mission of the Georgetown Public Library to provide learning resources and information services that support and improve the lives of the individuals and families in our community should be enhanced by responsible fundraising without the influence of alcohol or gambling that seems to be the centerpoint local charity events. Of course, we appreciate the fat rich guys and their wives who cheerfully give of their wealth without want for influence or recognition from their peers.

We are encouraged to believe that without the philanthropy of the Georgetown Library Foundation, there would be no books! The procurement of the books are the means to the endless feel-good social events built around tax-payer funded facilities.