Libraries are more than just books | Letters
“When I read the way library holdings are cut and chopped, I can only think that American society has found another way to destroy itself,” said Isaac Asimov, Russian-born American author and professor at the ‘Boston University. “Closing a public library is child abuse, in fact, because it hinders the development of the child,” said Alan Bennett, English actor, author and playwright. And these are exactly my feelings when I read all about the fate of the Ogdensburg Public Library.
I am now retired. But in my youth, I was a member of the Library Club for four years in high school. Even though I have changed careers, my love for the library has never changed.
People who think that a library is all about books are completely wrong. Books are the most obvious and easy to understand part of a library, but it’s only part of it.
There is much more. The Ogdensburg Library System also lends a variety of audio and video media, provides computer and internet services, is the keeper of local history (the entire Ogdensburg newspaper is kept there on microfiche), and houses sources. genealogy, library programs (including digital) and a meeting room that facilitates community groups.
Famous librarians include Benjamin Franklin, Melville Dewey, Golda Meir, J. Edgar Hoover, Casanova (really!), Lewis Carroll, Jacob Grimm of Grimms’ Fairy Tales Fame, Laura Bush, Eratosthenes (Greek scholar who discovered the latitude system and longitude), Pope Pious XI and, saving the best for last, and most important in this region is our own St. Lawrence, one of the patron saints of the library who was killed by the Romans in 258 for refusing to cede the collection of Christian Treasures and Documents that he was responsible for protecting. (Who could vote no?)
Famous people whose quotes testify to their ardent admiration and value in the library include:
Albert Einstein: “The only thing you absolutely need to know is the location of the library.” Neil Gaiman: “Google can get you 100,000 answers, a librarian can get you the right one.” JK Rowling: “If in doubt, go to the library.” Ray Bradbury: “Libraries have uplifted me. Without libraries, what do we have? We have neither past nor future. “
Where are you going in your life? Every direction is good if there is a library along the way. Help save your community with your “Yes” vote on May 18th.
