We never asked growing up why our pre-school, grade school, middle school, high school, or why our college always had a library. We knew once we picked up our first captivating book at the tender age of two (speaking personally) that books were good. Books educate and delight.

Libraries are a treasure trove for book lovers all over these United States. But libraries are also a valuable resource for many other reasons.

Libraries often keep people connected to their communities by offering book discussions, story times, and pamphlets informing of activities, or just getting a question answered by a librarian.

Most libraries now days even carry a whole host of rental movies. Movies providing enjoyment, movies that capture timeless history and lessons, movies that are educational, and even movies that depict a book we may not have gotten around to reading.

Most libraries even offer narrated books for those on the go, or sadly, those who may be blind or even some who may be illiterate.

In addition to all of these magnificent resources, libraries also contain another resource, one that has joined the ranks of being a wealthy source of information. I am speaking of computers, and better still, computers with internet access.

It is reported by the American Library Association that currently, 73 percent of all libraries nationwide report they are the only provider of free Internet access in their communities. In rural areas, the percentage reaches a whopping 83 percent.

Libraries provide a wealth of resources that can aid Americans get jobs by providing skills assessment, resume preparation, information technology training, small-business development classes and so much more.

Pretty valuable to any community you would have to agree. But libraries are unfortunately falling victim to a declining economy and in a major state of decline as a result. Scores of libraries are being forced to shut their doors in fact. Others are closing an extra day of the week or shortening their hours of operation.

You can help. If saving libraries is something you aspire to, I encourage you to contact your states members of congress and tell them to include sufficient funding in the upcoming budget to help save our libraries. Or visit the American Library Association to learn how you can become an advocate too.