I write in support of the July 25th excellent argument put forth by Alex Kent concerning the importance of mobile libraries. I am old, and I grew up in a tiny village of 1,100 in New Hampshire that lacked a library. The larger nearby town possessed a library, but with very scant offerings.
Thus, I am, in no small way, a product of mobile libraries. An adult friend informed me that I could call the reference desk at the main library at Concord, New Hampshire, and give them a description of my needs and interests. Within a week, a mobile library came to me at my very rural address and even offered additional advice on other sources.
With that assistance, I got good grades, earned a scholarship to a good college and eventually a PhD in anthropology. I shared that treasure with several friends who were similarly disadvantaged. The results were a lawyer, a dentist and two electrical engineers. Access to books and to the knowledge they contain is essential to any society, and the simple, straightforward argument is that mobile libraries greatly enhance access for the young, for the middle-aged and for us dodderers. Thank you, Alex, for reminding me of just how important mobile libraries are.
Douglas Raybeck
Amherst