The Newest Trend: Close the Libraries

[STUPID BOB]

SALINAS, Calif. — At John Steinbeck Library, third-grader Marilu Quiroz reads to her father, Rafael, though he doesn't understand English. At another table, Marilu's sister Guadalupe reads to their mother, Celina. She doesn't understand either. What the Mexican immigrant parents do understand is that literacy in their adopted country's language is crucial to a brighter future for their three girls. It's why the Quirozes were so dismayed when they heard that the city plans to close the public libraries.

For such a drastic move —— unprecedented in the USA, the American Library Association says —— to blot the hometown of one of the 20th century's greatest literary figures, a writer who chronicled the fictional struggles of earlier immigrant generations, is a bitter pill here.

[abcrystcats]

Ya gotta love California. Trendsetter for the nation. Hang on as this trend sweeps east, preparing us for a whole new wave of totally illiterate American youths.

And just when I was thinking that buying books is an expensive hobby and I ought to use my library card more often ...

It will be at least two years before it reaches Colorado, so I guess I'm safe, for now.