Sunday 4 November 2007

Build it and they will read?

There's a report in this week's City Paper that some dedicated citizens in the borough of Millvale - best-known for its French bakery and its frequent floods - would like to establish a library. They think that the lack of a library contributes to Millvale's depressed status (less than 5 percent of Millvale residents have a college degree) and they're trying to build community support and collect donations to build one. They've got a website where you can find out more.
It reminds me of one of my favorite childhood books, Emily's Runaway Imagination by Beverly Cleary. Emily is a little girl who lives in a small town in Oregon in the early 20th century when libraries are luxuries few towns can afford. Emily dreams of a town library and with her spunk and imagination she makes one happen.

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