Priscilla Caouette: In defense of public libraries

Rarely have I read such an uninformed letter in the Greenfield Recorder as the one I read today “Library funding cuts ‘not the end of the world,’” [Recorder, Jan. 25]. Especially the writer’s assertion that libraries are “fine for people too stingy to buy their own books ...”

I grew up in a large family who were all voracious readers. Though not poor, we could not have afforded to buy all the books each of us devoured. I have moved all over this country and the first thing I do when I get settled is to get my library card. I could never buy the number of books I read. I also like sitting in our beautiful library and reading many of the magazines available. And today I see parents at the library introducing their children to the joys of reading — like my parents did.

In my opinion, it would be the end of my world (not to mention the free world) if I did not have access to all the library has to offer. And the writer should check out both Amy Comey Barrett’s and Sarah Palin’s comments on public libraries. They both support them. Perhaps the letter writer should request these two women be included in the next Historical Women Series.

And one last point, I also rake my yard and walk my dog.

Priscilla Caouette

Greenfield