Discovered Letters Inspire Readers at Troy Library

Forty years ago, E.B. White — the author of “Charlotte’s Web,” “Stuart Little”, and many other beloved children’s books — wrote a letter to the children of Troy, Michigan, at the request of a librarian in Troy’s new public library. “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.” White was just one of the famous authors and public figures who responded to librarian Marguerite Hart’s request for letters to urge the children of Troy to read. That was back in 1971. The letters Marguerite Hart requested were just rediscovered by  Phillip Kwik, the current head of public services at the Troy Public Library. But because of budget cuts, the library is now likely to close its doors in August — a problem facing many public libraries throughout the nation.  Phillip Kwik talks about the discovery.