Recs and ReadsBy Anne McKay GarrisThe latest report about library services is that the Clearwater City Council has been asked to consider closing the East Library and moving on towards building a larger library somewhere else and then closing the Countryside Library. Already our libraries have taken a hit two years in a row, but the Council is asking for more cuts, as though libraries were one of the extra luxuries we don't really need. When the Council talks of cutting other activities, those people who are affected by it turn out in force to protest, making phone calls and sending e-mail messages to the Council members. Those people who believe that libraries are essential to quality of life need to let them know how we feel about it. It took a concerted effort by the citizens of the Clearwater Islands, plus volunteering to help out, to keep the Clearwater Beach Library open. Now the large group of people who use the East Library need us to join forces with them to keep their library open. If you would like to help, write to your City Council at Clearwater City Council, P.O. Box 4748, Clearwater, Florida 33758. Or write an e-mail to the Clearwater City Council and address it to diane.manning@myclearwater.com and Ms. Manning will see that all the Council members get it. Meantime, if the hot weather is beginning to get to you, there's always our delightful pool, offering a friendly and healthy way to cool off, at the Clearwater Beach Recreation Center. You can work-out in our airy and beautiful weight room, or you can check in on the Wii activity on Wednesdays. Wii is virtual tennis, bowling, or even boxing for people who enjoy these games but prefer to play them sitting down. Yes, sitting down. Drop by on a Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then you can brag to your grandkids that you've been "playing a computer game." Just think how impressed they'll be. And for you movie buffs, the movie "The Visitor" will be shown at the Beach Library on Monday, May 11, starting at 10 p.m. This movie is about a college professor who goes to New York City to attend a conference and is surprised to find a young couple living in his apartment. They turn out to be illegal immigrants. How would you handle that? Come see how this gentleman did. "The Visitor" was nominated for an Academy Award in 2009. There is no charge for admission, so bring a whole bunch of friends.
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