Published May 18, 2006 Published May 18, 2006
JOSEPH N. BELL
I finally got around to visiting our new Mariners Branch Library last week, and I can still smell the new books, a delicious odor even the Patriot Act snoops can't fault. It's a splendid place, expansive, open, light, inviting exploration. I came sniffing late in the evening, and the parking lot was still half full.
We owe ourselves a pat on the back for this place. While libraries are being shut down all over the country for lack of funds, we built a new one with a combination of funds from the city of Newport Beach, a grant from the State Library Board, citizen energy and private contributions, largely from Donna and John Crean, for whom the library is named.
Its opening is especially timely because on June 6 we will vote on Proposition 81, which will authorize a $600-million bond issue to "provide funds for the construction and renovation of public library facilities" throughout the state. Other areas, less rich and dedicated, need help badly. And I can't think of a better use for public funding than providing the enlightenment to be found in libraries.
I spent most of my time at Mariners prowling shelves and caressing books. Virtually all of them are new and warm to the touch. Offhand, can you think of any computers that have touched you in that way? I have a pile of books on my desk and night table I haven't read, but until -- or if -- I do, their companionship is enough to keep them there.
Maybe never in our nation's history have we needed critical thinking more than we do today. And there is no better place to find it than our public libraries. About the only positive note struck by our Congress in modifying the Patriot Act was to remove the government's fingers from the records of our library reading habits. We should be a lot more concerned about the decline in reading than the subversive nature of what people read. The hope is in the reading.
* JOSEPH N. BELL is a resident of Santa Ana Heights. His column runs Thursdays.