"Libraries are the backbone of our educational infrastructure."

"Fight for libraries as you do freedom." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. September 10, 2010.

Really powerfully moving op-ed piece by American writer Karin Slaughter about the recent underfunding of American libraries ("Libraries are the backbone of our educational infrastructure, and they are being slowly broken by bankrupt municipalities and apathetic politicians."), and their importance in American society ([Libraries] service everyone in their community, no matter their circumstances. Rich or poor; no one is denied. Libraries are not simply part of our guarantee to the pursuit of happiness. They are a civil right, the foundation upon which time and time again the American dream has been built. If we lose our libraries, we risk losing our communities, our families and ourselves").

Thanks to David Wright for the link.