It's a new idea for the State, but it's an old idea for Carl Washington. I remember when libraries were the center of our community life. If our young teens are in the library learning with one another, then they are less likely to be in the streets shooting each other. AB 2486 is part of Mr. Washington's agenda as Public Safety Chairman to focus on preventing violence particularly among youth. Speaking on behalf of the bill, Washington stated his measure is not a new idea, but is a vitally important idea in providing 'positives alternatives' for today's youth.
Public libraries helping communities is a tried and true formula.
Last year with The Carl Washington School Safety and Violence Prevention Act we focused on schools, this year we focus on communities and family and the public library is a perfect partner. There are so many things libraries already do well. Our bill is saying to the Legislature, let's give them the resources so they can continue. According to Washington public libraries are existing community resources that can be utilized to create a web of support for communities, families and individuals. If we help public libraries help their communities we create a massive safety web, points of prevention, if you will, where children and their parents can turn to for hope.