Take a page from a Rolling Stone, and promote our libraries
from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (orig post)
In her Oct. 28 column, "Gentleman Pirate," Maureen Dowd makes salient points about the true nature of the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards as revealed in his autobiography, "Life." One of the most compelling images in the book is a photograph of Mr. Richards in his library. In advance of the book's publication, Mr. Richards was interviewed and he talked about the importance of books, reading and the crucial role of public libraries.
Mr. Richards knows firsthand the transformative power of books. As a child in 1950s postwar London, he found refuge in books and has been a voracious reader ever since, and, like a librarian, eagerly lending his books to others. His story poignantly illustrates the enduring value of public libraries.
For more than 100 years, public libraries have been centers of their communities, providing indispensable services to residents of all ages, a role that gains recognition during times of financial difficulty when more people turn to libraries. Libraries make a difference in our communities, connecting people with support for job and career searches, business startups, formal and informal education, lifelong learning, and the early literacy experiences essential for school success.
In recent weeks we have read a growing list of priorities for the new governor to address. We urge Gov.-elect Tom Corbett to place public libraries at the center of his agenda and recognize that libraries can help solve the intractable problems facing our commonwealth and make a difference in the lives of our citizens.
As Keith Richards has sagely stated, "The public library is a great equalizer."
CYNTHIA K. RICHEYMt. Lebanon Public Library
Mt. Lebanon
The writer is chair of the Governor's Advisory Council on Library Development
