When I read Mr. Whitson's letter, I was flabbergasted to read "Nobody is going to die or be injured if the library shuts down." Could a former candidate for the Board of Education really have made such an absurd statement? Public library usage increases greatly during economic downturns. Not only does Rockdale's only public library supply reading material for people of all ages, it provides computers for many who cannot afford their own. Many people use these in searching for jobs, creating resumes, and researching companies in preparation for interviews.

If Mr. Whitson is truly concerned about local education, he would also realize that the library is heavily used by students. School libraries are not available evenings and weekends when many children are doing homework. Thousands of people would be injured by closing our only library. Libraries, like education, are not an expense, but an investment.