Remembering a Library Opening

When the new Troy (MI) Public Library was opened in 1971, its librarian contacted many writers and public figures and asked them to send the children of Troy a letter to commemorate the event. She received dozens of responses. Among those who answered were America’s two most famous doctors at that time, Dr. Benjamin Spock and Doctor Seuss, and stfnal figures like Kingsley Amis, Isaac Asimov, Vincent Price, and the astronaut Neil Armstrong.

There was also a touching, insightful letter from E.B. White. Here is an excerpt. The full text is posted by Letters of Note:

A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people—people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.

[Thanks to John King Tarpinian for the link.]

Update 05/09/2011: Corrected, oh, everything!

2 thoughts on “Remembering a Library Opening

  1. You might also want to correct Troy NY to Troy MI.

    Appreciate the link, though!

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