Sometimes we in public service are so busy going about our activities that it is easy to forget the power of our work.

This week Dr. Robert Waxler, Professor of English Literature and author, visited Johnson County to make several presentations about a program he created with judges called Changing Lives Through Literature. The program provides alternative sentencing opportunities for adult and juvenile offenders that can make a difference -- big time. The sentencing judge, the probation officer, a librarian or facilitator and the offender come together over a period of several consecutive weeks to discuss classic literature in the hopes that the discussion will provide insight into choices for the offender and may keep them from becoming a chronic offender. It works.

Dr. Waxler also discussed his book, Losing Jonathan, the story of his family’s journey in surviving the loss of a bright, promising son to heroin addiction. The audience for his talk was primarily made up of people in the justice system today trying to recover from chronic drug abuse and families who have suffered similar losses. The discussion was powerful.

The visit by Dr. Waxler was made possible by some very special staff of the Johnson County Library, Kathy McLellan, CJ Sullivan and Tricia Suellentrop in coordination with Johnson County Corrections Dept., several Johnson County judges and Johnson County Court Services. All of these organizations are working to make our community and the individuals in the community more productive in our democracy in meaningful ways. This week was a powerful example of government making this community a better place.

At the Johnson County Library, this type of opportunity for patrons is not unusual. There are many dedicated professionals communicating frequently and always looking for a better way to provide service. They do make a difference.