A library is many things: "Early-1971, in an effort to attract as many youngsters to the premises as possible, Marguerite Hart — children's librarian at the newly-opened
public library in Troy, Michigan — wrote to a number of notable people with a request: to reply with a congratulatory letter, addressed to the children of Troy, in which the benefits of visiting such a library were explained in some form. It's heartening to know that an impressive 97 people did exactly that, and below are just four of those replies, all from authors:
Isaac Asimov;
Hardie Gramatky;
Theodore Geisel; and
E. B. White.
(Although sadly a common situation these days, it's worth noting that Troy Public Library is currently
dodging closure. How long it remains open is a mystery.)
UPDATE: Philip Kwik of Troy Public Library has been in touch. All 97 letters have now been posted to the library website and can be viewed, as PDFs, by
following this link. This is an incredible collection of letters from a whole host of names, and makes for amazing reading. Many thanks Philip.
Transcripts follow. All images courtesy of
Troy Public Library.
Transcript16 March 1971
Dear Boys and Girls,
Congratulations on the new library, because it isn't just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you---and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.
(Signed, 'Isaac Asimov')
Isaac Asimov
TranscriptHardie Gramatky
60 Roseville Road
Westport, Conn.
April 26, 1971
To the Young People of
The Troy Public Library
Troy, Michigan.
Dear Boys and Girls:
I have just heard the good news about your having your own Public Library. How can anyone be so lucky. You must be proud and happy, indeed.
You already know, I am sure, of the wonderful new worlds this immediately opens to you. The chance to meet the most interesting people and the chance to make many new friends. What a choice you will have.
And how many of us likes to travel? We all do! The joy of it all is that through reading books we can visit the most exciting far-away places. Then when we actually go there we will have enough knowledge to make that place ten times as interesting.
How I envy you, boys and girls. Your new library brings you more joy than you can have in a life time. Be sure to use it.
All my love,
(Signed, 'Hardie Gramatky')
[Illustration]
AND LOVE FROM LITTLE TOOT
TranscriptDr. Seuss
7301 Encelia Drive
La Jolla, California 92037
Dear Children of Troy:
Read!
Read!
Read!
Read!
Read!
Read!
That's the advice of your good friend, Dr. Seuss
TranscriptE. B. WHITE
NORTH BROOKLIN, MAINE
April 14, 1971
Dear Children of Troy:
Your librarian has asked me to write, telling you what a library can mean to you.
A library is many things. It's a place to go, to get in out of the rain. It's a place to go if you want to sit and think. But particularly it is a place where books live, and where you can get in touch with other people, and other thoughts, through books. If you want to find out about something, the information is in the reference books---the dictionaries, the encyclopedias, the atlases. If you like to be told a story, the library is the place to go. Books hold most of the secrets of the world, most of the thoughts that men and women have had. And when you are reading a book, you and the author are alone together---just the two of you. A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered. Books are good company, in sad times and happy times, for books are people---people who have managed to stay alive by hiding between the covers of a book.
(Signed, 'EB White')
"
