Plans to Close School Libraries

In 1986 the main branch of the Los Angeles Public Library was the victim of an extensive fire which forced its closing. It will not really be open for “business as usual” until 1993. That will make it seven years--the proverbial seven years of bad luck--seven long years of denying the public access to its community’s main store of learning and literary pleasure. Arson is a criminal offense. Monetary loss resulting from arson can be figured, if one wants to assess damages. Denial of usage loss, however, cannot be measured. To people who want to be informed and grow and achieve, who cannot avail themselves of the benefits of higher education, being cut off from this source of learning is not only immeasurable--it is criminal.

The Los Angeles School Board, in its deliberations concerning budget cuts, hasn’t set fire to the school libraries. But it has sent letters of dismissal and termination to 72 of its 128 school librarians. This is tantamount to closing the doors of 72 school libraries. Criminal?

If your child or grandchild were attending one of the affected schools, wouldn’t you think it at least a misdemeanor? What can we do about it? I wrote a letter to The Times. Where else can we write? To the new governor? State Supt. of Public Instruction Bill Honig? LAUSD Board? Santa Claus? Help!

REVA ROBINS

Van Nuys