The Library Means Good Health

Marcus Newton's Story

Marcus Newton says he used to have a very unhealthy lifestyle. He smoked. He drank. He didn’t feel good and thought he’d be lucky to make it to 70.

Then he went to the doctor. He started taking pertinent medicines. He stopped smoking and drinking and started exercising. And then, he began to feel so good that he thought he could live until 103 as his mother did!

Marcus always appreciated libraries, but now Portage County Public Library is part of his daily routine. He walks to PCPL every day to read his newspapers. He says he used to receive several magazine subscriptions at home, but it’s hard to read at home because of TV. So, Marcus cancelled all his subscriptions and reads whatever he wants at the library. Why buy newspapers and magazines when you can read them at the Library for free!

I must add that Mr. Newton generously donates a copy of the daily New York Times to PCPL, periodically gives cash donations, and gave the library money for large print materials as a memorial to his mother.

Incidentally Marcus is also an amateur Wisconsin archaelogist. He works with the Forest Service each summer to help with the “digs.” Where does he conduct his archaelogy research? Why at PCPL, of course.

What does the library mean to Mr. Newton? It means good health, i.e. physical, social, and intellectual.

--Vicky Billings, Technical Services Librarian, Portage County Public Library