Steinbeck's Birthplace Could be Largest City Without a Public Library

Salinas California's financial troubles part of nationwide threat facing public libraries.

1 minute read

April 4, 2005, 1:00 PM PDT

By Michael Dudley


"The pride, fear and hope Steinbeck described were in evidence this weekend as residents, celebrities and best-selling authors gathered for a 24-hour emergency read-in to try to avert an unwelcome footnote to Salinas's legacy: the impending closing of the city's three public libraries. Unless the city can raise $500,000 by June 30, the John Steinbeck, Cesar Chavez and El Gabilan Libraries will be shuttered, victims of the city's $9 million budget shortfall. If the branches are closed, Salinas will become the nation's largest city without a public library."

Thanks to Michael Dudley

Monday, April 4, 2005 in The New York Times

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