The small village was at risk of losing its only library due to budget cuts. The librarian, Mrs. Thompson, felt that the library was not just a place for books, but a vital center of community and learning. She decided to launch a campaign to save it. Every Wednesday evening, townspeople gathered to discuss ideas on how to raise funds. The meetings were often lively and filled with passionate debate, as some residents believed the library was __________ to the village’s identity while others thought it was expendable.