Library closings in Oregon

It does not speak well to our national priorities if libraries are forced to close their doors. The San Francisco Chronicle has an update on the crisis that is brewing for libraries in Oregon. One quote:

"I wish we could call FEMA; this feels like a natural disaster to me," said Ted Stark, interim library director for Jackson County.

"Libraries are so much more than just libraries in rural areas. This is where all the town meetings are held, where all the kids come after school, where everything -- everything -- happens," he said. Indeed, today's libraries have evolved from merely loaning out books to providing Internet access, reading hour for babies, community meeting centers and art galleries.