Date: Saturday, February 12, 1994
Source: Diane L. Schirf.
Section: PERSPECTIVE
Column: Voice of the people (letter).
Dateline: CHICAGO
Copyright Chicago Tribune

LIBRARY THAT WORKS

The economy of Altoona, a city of about 50,000 located in south central Pennsylvania, was for many years based on the railroad industry and subsequently declined with the increase in trucking and consequent decrease in rail freight. In spite of the poor economy and erosion of the tax base, the Altoona Area Public Library is open weeknights until 9 p.m.

In addition, in contrast with the Harold Washington Library, books on the natural sciences are available for borrowing and are not just for reference. Is there any reason why the library system of the third largest city in the nation cannot be operated on the same level as Altoona’s?