DetNews: Detroit library could close most of its branches

Nearly all of the public libraries in Detroit may close soon. This will leave few opportunities for residents to improve literacy and access the internet. Ironically, Detroit city officials claim that they want to attract new residents and young professionals back to the city, yet they want to reduce trash pickup and close essential public services, including schools and libraries at alarming rates.

The Detroit Public Library could close most of its neighborhood branches and lay off more than half of its workers because of an $11 million shortfall caused by plunging tax collections...

Whatever course commissioners who oversee the system choose in May, residents in an economically challenged city with a functional illiteracy rate of 47 percent are likely to suffer.