Libraries do save lives

The Sept. 15 letter Public libraries save lives, brought tears to my eyes. Carlos Eire, today a Yale University professor, told how that shabby little library on Northwest Seventh Street provided not only a lasting influence on his life, but also a rich legacy to the many whose lives he has touched through his own books and teaching.

We cannot overstate the importance of public libraries to those with no other options to get books and information. Plus, for those like Eire, an Operation Pedro Pan child, they are a haven from rough streets and neighborhoods.

We must implore our elected leaders to support public libraries.

This story was originally published September 17, 2014 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Libraries do save lives."