Public well-being

Having endured in recent years the closings of our elementary school, public swimming pool and supermarket, Hazelwood residents have found some consolation in our new public library. From tots enjoying story time to students and the elderly alike making use of their only chance at Internet access, our library functions not as a luxury, but as an absolute necessity.

Responsibility for the unconscionable proposed closing of Hazelwood and other branch libraries rests with our political leadership at all levels of government ("Library System Trims 5 Branches Across City," Oct. 7).

Our well-being as citizens is inextricably tied to the nurturing and preservation of our public spaces, none more important than our libraries.

We heard much about Pittsburgh's supposed revitalization and bright future during the recent G-20 summit. If this is to have any meaning beyond hollow words, the decision to close our libraries must be rescinded.

STEPHEN and KAREN TORMEY
Hazelwood

Another blow

My family and I moved to Lawrenceville nearly six years ago and bought our house partly because of its proximity to the library and Arsenal Park. Arsenal has never seen much help from the city as the playground falls apart and the tennis courts are better used as dog runs. Now the local library branch is closing due to inadequate support.

I suppose if I had moved to Pittsburgh from one of the G-20 nations, the city would bend over backward to fund and fix my neighborhood institutions. Everyday taxpayers, like myself, don't rate very high with the local politicians. So, now my girls will just have to hope that their public school doesn't close, like others, because of lack of funds, too.

NATHAN IVERSON
Lawrenceville

User support

Sal Sabatucci wrote a letter ("Do Your Part," Oct. 3) suggesting a $1 contribution for every time one takes out a book or DVD from a library. I love his idea, but even more, we have to make certain that our public libraries are sustainable as invaluable resources for everyone.

I can remember as a child that my Dad would take the kids to the Carnegie Library in Steubenville, Ohio, on Saturday afternoons. I learned to read and read very well using that library.

Some of our children are at serious risk of illiteracy; we can never compete in a global economy if our young people cannot read. I am a certified adult literacy tutor; I can tell you, it is best to learn young. Please support the library in your community.

MARY T. KNIGHT
Kennedy

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