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I have traveled fairly extensively around the world and was struck by how many people my age (early-mid twenties) were living at home. At first I couldn't imagine living at home as the pressure to leave at 18 was so strong and I was so independent. But, after many years of traveling and now being 29, I realize how difficult my twenties were compared to my friends abroad. While I loved my young adult life, I have struggled over the past ten years, often living pay check to pay check, going into large amounts of credit card and school loan debt and not always having the resources necessary to set myself up for success in my 30's. I now have a good job, but will be getting myself out of the debt from my 20's for many years to come. The only reason I didn't stay at home longer was a sense of pride in self-sufficiency, I wanted to be able to show I could make it and wasn't willing to accept "help" from my family in the form of living at home. I think if societal pressure hadn't been so strong to leave at 18, I could have eased my way into an independent lifestyle and possibly accrued less debt trying to get on my own two feet. 

posted 2 years, 5 months ago
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I think the library is one of the most important pieces of the community. Having a physical space where people can go to learn, interact, and be active members of the community is vital. In addition, I don't think that books are becoming irrelevant. I am a young woman who is part of the digital generation, but would never choose an e-book over a real one. I don't prefer to engage in learning online and I value the personal interactions that I gain from going to libraries. I hope Hood River's libraries are restored quickly!

posted 2 years, 11 months ago
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