Not all libraries treated equally

My commendations to the city of Thousand Oaks for expanding the children's section of the main library.

While the children's section is expanding, the children of Salinas are faced with a city without libraries. Our older daughter, who teaches in the Salinas Public School system, informed us that the libraries of Salinas have closed their doors. The city of Salinas has run out of money.

In desperation I took the liberty of writing to First Lady Laura Bush, a former librarian, appealing for her assistance in reopening the libraries of Salinas.

Sonya E. Medina, special assistant to the president for domestic policy and director of projects for the first lady, replied. She wrote, "While Mrs. Bush understands the problems you are facing, she is unable to intervene personally on your behalf. However, she encourages you to focus your energies at the local level where the impact of your efforts will be greatest. Mrs. Bush hopes you will continue your efforts to save the libraries and she sends her best wishes for success in this endeavor."

The children of farmworkers in Salinas are being left behind. Samuel M. Rosen Newbury Park