Current users of the Moorpark Library know the need for a larger facility so books can sit on shelves and not in carts in the middle of the floor; so browsers can sit in quiet reading nooks; so librarians have more open space to host children's programs; so more computers are available for research; and so readers have access to more new books, reference materials, and audio visual resources.

The city council understands the need for a new library and recently agreed to withdraw from the Ventura County Library system to explore other options. The county recently built a beautiful library in Simi Valley, is constructing a twostory facility for Camarillo's collection, and yet seems to shortchange our community. It's time Moorpark looks out for its own.

For now, the city will take over the exisiting county library. But a budget and a timeline for library expansion have been put into place and now is the time for those who support a better library to rally behind the project.

In some shape or form, a new library is coming, and if you're a friend of literature, it's time to jump on board and help make the project work.

The first thing you can do is obtain a library card for you and every member of your family, especially the children. The library is one facility that only gets better the more it's used. When more patrons request new books, the librarians are apt to follow up on suggestions. Longer hours may be set to accommodate more users. New programs can be created when more young people show interest. Encouraging children to put down the PlayStation and read a book, especially when they're bored with summer vaction, will improve their school grades and enrich their minds.

Another way to help is to donate your time and join Friends of the Library, or at least support the Friends financially during their used book sales. You can also offer to read to children or assist the librarians during one of the youth programs.

Those who will benefit the most from the new library are not the city council members but local readers. So don't hesitate to pitch in and help make this idea work for everybody.