Steinbeck's hometown closes library...

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 3:29 pm

I read an article in the paper that Salinas, California (1902 birthplace of

Steinbeck) City Council voted Dec. 14th to close all 3 of their libraries,

including one named for Steinbeck. This is all supposed to happen by next

May or June... very sad.

I wonder if anyone will come to the rescue? Apparently it would take a lot

of money. Doesn't it always.

:-1

Hawke · Post by **Hawke** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 7:56 pm

It's a shame that libraries are among the first to go.

A whole generation is growing up that dosen't read enough as it is; this will only exacerbate the issue.

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Tue Dec 28, 2004 10:56 pm

valerie wrote: I read an article in the paper that Salinas, California (1902 birthplace of

Steinbeck) City Council voted Dec. 14th to close all 3 of their libraries,

including one named for Steinbeck. This is all supposed to happen by next

May or June... very sad.

I wonder if anyone will come to the rescue? Apparently it would take a lot

of money. Doesn't it always.

:-1
We just watched I, Robot. Liked the movie very much. There was a line in the movie chastising Wil Smith about being one of the people who would have sacrificed the Internet in order to save the Libraries.

Made me think.

When was the last time any of you FG'ers went to your local library? I can't remember the last time I was at a library. Oh yes, in college - about 20 years ago.

My sister lives in Salinas. This is causing great angst for many people. Worse yet, they are going through the same problems as L.A.: The threat of closing hospitals and laying off more and more police and fire personnel. My understanding is that they chose the libraries as the sacrificial pig instead of losing police and fire services.

It's a huge mess. Why is the budget so busted? Check the "Immigration" threads on this forum. Too many people demanding services without enough people paying in.

It's a bad omen, don't you think?

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Wed Dec 29, 2004 9:18 pm

I visit my local library on average once a month. I just LOVE the library,

always have since I was a little kid, couldn't believe you could get all this

stuff for FREE... truly magical.

Maybe visiting it a little less since FG and also wanting to go back through

my personal library and re-read some faves...

Uncle Kram · Post by **Uncle Kram** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 3:32 pm

The Grapes of Wrath is still my all-time fave book.

On my 2 trips to California, I intended to visit these libraries and museums but never made it as I was in the company of Philistines. Even an Englishman like me can see that Steinbecks work is of immense value to American culture. Surely someone will step in to save it

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Dec 27, 2005 9:59 pm

valerie wrote: I visit my local library on average once a month. I just LOVE the library,

always have since I was a little kid, couldn't believe you could get all this

stuff for FREE... truly magical.

I couldn't have said it better myself! I beleive in the library as an institution more than I believe in *marriage* as the same.

jenmac · Post by **jenmac** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:18 pm

Hi- I'm a community outreach officer for a county library service in the UK.s:-6 - a wonderful post - I am an advocate for the library service to children and young people

where else can you!! get excitement, advice, jokes, information, entertainment, be emotionally and socially engaged for free with something NEW - every DAY!!:-6

SPREAD THE WORD!!

lol

jEN