In his article “Libraries and New Americans: The Indispensable Link” published April 13 on the Washington Post Writers Group website, columnist Neal Peirce, while arguing that public libraries help the nation’s “32.5 million foreign-born” assimilate into a new culture, also highlights more general benefits libraries bring to their communities.
After introducing his piece by asking, “…can public libraries in our cities, towns and neighborhoods help assimilate the 32.5 million foreign-born already here?” Peirce offers concrete examples of public library service to the nation. Among other laudatory statements, Peirce writes, “[libraries] can provide authoritative information, book- or Internet-based, that's more comprehensive than a Google search. And they can be a fulcrum of renewal in cities and neighborhoods.”
To read the full-text article, please visit: http://www.postwritersgroup.com/archives/peir080413.htm.