Saturday, June 20, 2009

Ray Bradbury and Libraries


The front page of today’s New York Times features an article about Ray Bradbury’s fight to keep a California public library open. A number of the state’s public libraries may be forced to close because of the current fiscal crisis. Bradbury is focusing his efforts on the H. P Wright Library in Ventura County, which has been told that it must raise $280,000, or it will be forced to close.

When he was young, Bradbury, now 88 years old, could not afford to go to college, so he went to libraries three days a week for ten years. “I don’t believe in colleges and universities,” Bradbury says, “I believe in libraries.” Though the author of such books as
Fahrenheit 451 and Something Wicked This Way Comes didn’t make our list of 10 Books to Read before You Die, we’ll have to give Bradbury an honorable mention for his support of libraries and reading. Here’s to you Ray!

2 comments:

  1. I agree with Ray Bradburt that libraries are essential. I have enjoyed libraries as a great source of reference, entertainment and educations for many years.

    I have recently read 2 books by Richard John Neuhaus "The Naked Publec Square" and "American Babylon", both of which I enjoyed. I would recommend both of these books to those who have an interest in politics and religion.

    I would also suggest the young folks read the "classics", such as Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys.

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  2. Don't know where I would be without Nancy Drew!

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