"Cycle for Literacy" Focus: Keep Detroit Libraries Open
DETROIT (WWJ) - With the possibility that six Detroit Public Library branches may close because of shrinking funds, some Detroiters are working to keep awareness and the doors to the libraries open.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Beth Fisher reports that a group of Detroiters, including the chairman of the Tri-Point Community Association, James Knox, say they want those libraries to remain open.
"We're still going to come out here, show interest, not only as a campaign for literary but we are also promoting health and wellness out here, just showing a united front within our community," said Knox.
Knox is concerned because Detroit already has a high illiteracy rate and he worries that, "They don't really have a plan ... is it going to sit there and fall apart ... just (become) part of a blighted area."
Knox says closing the libraries sends the wrong message to kids: "If the branches close ... I think it just keeps the kids out on the street, you're really saying it's okay to be out on the street, those kids frequent the branches, they use it as a resource center, use computers, read books ... various things like that," said Knox.
Knox and others rode their bikes from West Seven Mile to the main library downtown as part of "Cycle for Literacy".
