The vast majority of Americans use libraries and rely on them. Libraries offer free access to a world of resources for less that the cost of one hardcover novel per person. Public libraries are helping to close the digital divide – introducing children to their first books and a lifelong love of reading that continues through the teenage years, the baby boomer generation and into retirement.

Libraries are a great democratic institution that serves people of all ages, incomes, ethnicity, and locations. Libraries provide the full range of information resources needed to live, learn, govern, and work. The right of communities to read, seek accurate information, and speak freely is the right in American society of intellectual freedom. Libraries understand the need for developmental skills in reading, computers, technology and information literacy, and offer programs and policies to assist communities in these areas. The Aubrey Area Library plays this active and vibrant role in our community.

Kathy Gilson, Aubrey Area Library Director, says, "As a youngster, I spent a lot time in my local library, and always felt comfortable there, whether I was reading, looking through the card catalog, or just kind of hanging out as a teen, I kept my love of reading; enjoying the journeys the books would take me on. As a mother of young children, I took my children to the library for story times and I checked out a lot of books! We often took a collapsible crate into the Denton library and just filled it with books! I also made sure that I had time to spend at the library on my own, without any children. As our children grew older, my husband and I initiated family night and often used this time to go to the library as a family. As a returning university student, I have chosen to pursue a Library Science Degree. As the director of Aubrey’s library, I find that I am having so much fun serving and getting to know the citizen’s of Aubrey."

Kathy continues, "I used to wonder why some people did not go to the library; why they seemed surprised that we did. I can recall many a conversation with a young mother as I would explain the virtues of the library for a family, and then drag her and her children along with me to discover first hand that a library is, indeed, a great place to take your children. I love seeing the wide variety of people that utilize the Aubrey Area Library. Aubrey has a very fine library that is growing with the community."

I have the great pleasure of knowing Kathy Gilson and the fine job that she is performing in her duties as library director.

The library reminds me of the library at North Texas University where I went when I was first a student at the North Texas High School. I can recall the library was a very pleasant place to sit and study and the only noise you would hear was the hum of the flourescent lights.

Many times when I have questions, I go see Kathy and she takes me to the answer right here in our library. The research and work on the computer are one of the added assets that our library offers this community, and Kathy’s intellectual approach only adds to the quality of life here in Aubrey.

I just received word from Jackie Walp, our District Cherokee representative, that a ceremony is in the planning stages for a remembrance and honor ceremony for the forces on foreign lands fighting for our freedom. This ceremony will be a part of the Cherokee Heritage Day celebration that will take place on April 26 at the Cagle Hill Farm here in Aubrey out on Black Jack Road.

Many times I have reminded others that "Being a Cherokee is a good way to be an American, because after all Native Americans are here for they never left."