Benton library offers joy of reading

To the editor:

I live in St. Louis but grew up in Benton, Mo. I was a frequent visitor to the Benton branch of the Riverside Regional Library system. During the 1950s and 1960s the librarian was a wonderful, gentle lady named Easter Miller. She was my role model, my mentor and my idol. She monitored my reading and supplied my every need. I am currently a school librarian due to the influence of this wonderful librarian.

My mother and father live in Benton. My mother checks out at least five books a week and reads them all. My father, after retirement, discovered the joy of reading. He never had time before. They are both in their 80s and are still capable of reading and enjoying their books.

Closing the Benton branch would take away the joy of a young child being able to be guided by a wonderful librarian. It would take away the ability of the older generation to be able to enjoy literature they may not have been able to read during their younger working days.

I don't know the circulation of the Benton library. It is a small town. But it has always been a small town. What has changed? Please don't take away the joy of reading from a small town.

SUE KETTLER, St. Louis