Mental health awareness is important

Dear Editor,

As Mental Health Awareness Day passes it is important to realize and reflect on us and our mental health. Mental health is very important but often overlooked due to all the other craziness going on in people’s lives. However, it is important to remember to take care of ourselves, and to know that it is okay to not be “okay” and ask for help.

It is important to keep a tab on who and what things are going on in our life and how their presence is affecting our lives. There is a theory that helps see these interactions. Systems Theory, this theory helps layout the different things (also known as systems in this context) in a person’s life. If drawn out, you not only can see the different systems but see the relationship between the system and the person. It is helpful when using to evaluate certain things in your life. Especially if there is a lot going on and it is affecting one’s mental health this may be a good theory to use and help with the process of bettering one’s mental health.

Just always remember that it is okay not to be okay and to always take care of yourself.

Bailey Menner

Nicholasville

Maintain free use of library meeting rooms

Dear Editor,

As a retired librarian, resident of Jessamine County, and lifelong supporter of public libraries, I want to respond to Kentucky Senator Tom Buford’s opposition to the use of public library meeting rooms for political forums as described in the Lexington Herald-Leader article dated Oct. 20, 2018.  I am both dismayed and disappointed by his position on this matter.

The Jessamine County Public Library’s web site clearly states its meeting room policy as the following: 

“The library’s meeting rooms are available for public gatherings of a civic, cultural, or educational character. Commercial or fund-raising gatherings are prohibited… all meetings must be free and open to the public.”

  As I see it, Sen. Buford is wrong in threatening public libraries within his own district with punitive action, such as withholding his support and supporting legislation which would prove to be detrimental to the impartial governance of public libraries, for upholding their public meeting room policies.

I applaud Carolyn Dupont, Sen. Buford’s opponent in the upcoming election, for inviting constituents of the 22nd District to make use of their public libraries as venues for free public discourse. I view Tom Buford’s response, as described in the article, as an example of political bullying.

Mary McLaren

Retired librarian

Jessamine County