Undergraduate /
The public library (contemporary issue/problem) Richmond Scholar Semifinalist essay [2]
1) 1st paragraph: I think there is too much information in the second sentence. Although there is little that you have to change in grammar, I suggest having some shorter sentences that still convey why you feel a public library is important. What do you mean when you state that children are introduced to their peers? Do you mean that children can interact or have shared experiences with their peers because of library programs? Please explain this to the reader. Change technological driven to technologically driven.
2) 2nd paragraph: This first sentence can be changed when you discuss that libraries would be secure in its funding. I suggest discussing consistent and adequate funding. This would mean that not only is it ongoing but there are enough funds to continue operating. I would take out the word leaving in the third sentence. If you read this sentence again with this change, it will show that these problems are consistent with lack of funding and demand.
3) 3rd paragraph: I would like you to simplify the first sentence. I think there are too many details in this sentence. Ex: I have always enjoyed going to the zoo as a child; whether it was with my teacher or school friends, I enjoyed seeing the giraffes, monkeys and tigers-even if it was the end of the school year. Correction: I have always enjoyed going to the zoo as a child. My fondest memories of going to the zoo were with my schoolmates. We enjoyed spending the whole day seeing the giraffes, monkeys, tigers, and other zoo animals.
This example is to show you how to correct your paper. Make sure your sentences are not run-on sentences or have too many details. You can lose the reader's attention.
I would change "gone to their" to "and attended their" to describe your participation in the libraries educational programs and activities. Please make this correction: "my mother, who is a librarian,..." How did you realize how hard pressed employees were if you were in a staff room? It seems like you were able to understand what the employees experienced through your observations. Also, I'm unsure about the explanation of filling three carts. The sentence does not explain that these were the duties of the employees. If you observed this at the library feel free to explain it this way.
4) 4th paragraph: How did you know there were books locked away? What are those books? Is this a real cause of concern? I assume this is as a reader, but you don't discuss it in your paper. Also, remember that some books are banned. Therefore, it is necessary to explain why this problem existed.
5) 5th paragraph: I would leave the explanation about imagining the shelves were fuller. You were a great help to the library and this contributed to a more organized and efficient system. You can state this in another sentence, but please leave the word imagine out of this paragraph.
6) 6th paragraph: Change the second sentence by stating "trying to make the library" and change our peers to other teens. I'm confused about the last sentence. Are you talking about the library or yourself? Also, it is a sentence that is by itself so I think it should be included in the paragraph. Use a transition word (i.e. Nevertheless) at the beginning on the sentence to link it to the rest of the paragraph.
Are you still helping the library? Did you volunteer last summer or are you planning on volunteering this summer? This will help you answer your level of involvement to date. Good job! I hope this helps you.