The New York Times on June 20 featured a story about James Bradbury, the famous science fiction writer. He claimed "libraries raised me," and went on to proclaim that "universities are unnecessary and a waste of time."
He also noted that Bo Derek was a good friend of his and he wanted to spend more time with her. At age 88, Mr. Bradbury appears not to have lost his interest in books, libraries and other objects of beauty.
The point of the article was that Mr. Bradbury (a brilliant writer but somewhat eccentric) was supporting public libraries in California, many of which are being subjected to service reduction because of the serious budget problems confronting the state. Mr. Bradbury is known for his eccentricities but also for love of libraries, and an outstanding memory. He had met Ms. Derek many years ago while on a train in France and she proclaimed, "I love you!" He treasures the memory.
Libraries are the heart of civilization. The collection and storage of written records - books, scrolls, tablets, any kind of transcribed records, and art of almost any sort - are absolutely essential to build knowledge and record history.
The ancient library of Celsus located in Ephesus (now western Turkey) housed one of the greatest collections of antiquities in the ancient world, along with the Library of Pergamum, also in Turkey. The ancient Library at Alexandria (Egypt) contained much of the eastern knowledge of mathematics and science that allowed the western world (which did not have the knowledge) to develop and flourish. Fire had destroyed the library of Alexandria but it has been rebuilt with the help of the western world. It is once again a remarkable, world class institution.
Because of economic hard times, our libraries, local, state and national, are all having difficulty. Our own state library and state archives had to reduce hours. There are fewer staff to assist. You may not notice because librarians are "superheroes" and do whatever is necessary to help you, but they're stretched very thin.
The Carson City Library needs our support. The demands on the city library are quickly outpacing the current facility's ability to provide services. We need a new, more vital, technologically sophisticated library. The library has produced a planning document, "Carson City Library: A Place for Everyone, Strategic Plan-2009-2013." Much work has gone into this plan and I suggest all take the time to read it. It's in the library.
When this issue comes before you, please join with me in helping our community thrive; help support our local version of the Library of Pergamum and the Library of Alexandria. Remember, preservation of our civilization begins with us.
• Dr. Eugene T. Paslov, former Nevada superintendent of schools, is a board member for Silver State Charter High School in Carson City.