Concern Over Illiteracy

Re “It’s Bleak but It’s Home,” March 1: Although I am a comfortably situated elderly woman about Gladys Franklin’s age, I was touched by her story. She faces possible eviction from the Cabrini Green housing project in Chicago. She is on public assistance.

But for me, a retired teacher of English, the saddest part of her story is that she cannot read. Many thoughts rushed through my head. How many Americans cannot read? At the present time, are U.S. schools turning out folks who cannot read and write? The thought of our nation as one of illiterates is very scary. Scary for them and us too. Reading is not only necessary, but one of the greatest pleasures in life. And it’s even free at our wonderful public libraries.

Mary Meyer

Pasadena