To the editor:

I am writing to publicly express my support for the concept of allowing the Americana Music Academy to utilize the Carnegie Library building space at Ninth and Vermont streets.

I must admit that this is, in part, a selfish interest, as I have been taking classical piano lessons at the Americana Music Academy for nearly two years. My piano teacher is a wonderfully kind and patient teacher who is also a talented musician and composer.

However, I also believe that Americana’s presence in the Carnegie Library building would be a positive addition to the cultural life of downtown Lawrence. It would strengthen downtown’s reputation as the retail and cultural center of Lawrence. What better way to fill the Carnegie Library than with another nonprofit organization that, like the Lawrence Arts Center before it, is providing cultural education and events for the residents of the city of Lawrence?

Americana’s programs and events promote a real sense of community among the participants. I hope that the city commissioners will grant this very deserving nonprofit organization the right to use the Carnegie Library building, and further enhance the attractiveness of downtown Lawrence.