I'm so happy to see a thread that mentions Marshall Dodge and Libraries in one. Reasons? Some years ago, I forget exactly when,I shared a concert with Marshall Dodge for the FSSGB, in which I sang and told a few stories and Marshall told a lot of stories and did some readings. The FSSGB did a great job on publicity which, along with Marshall Dodge's popularity, brought a good crowd to the hall. The evening was a total success and is one of my treasured memories, albeit tinged with sadness to know that Marshall is no longer with us. I still have my 'Bert & I' albums to remind me of the wonderful artist that he was. As for libraries, well, let me tell you. My parents had little interest in reading other than a daily paper. I grew up in a house with very few books. However, I was an avid reader. I would read the paper the chips were wrapped in, or the labels on sauce bottles. Somehow, and I have no idea how, I learned to read before I went to school. My mother told me that I looked forward to going to school because I knew there would be books there. At the age of ten I discovered the library system. My home place didn't have one but the next town along did. I went in there one day and found heaven. The endless rows of bookshelves looked like Aladdin's cave to me, and I was well aware that I was in the best place on earth. Twice a week I would walk the four mile round trip with my bagful of books to return and replenish. Once at the library I would linger as long as possible, dipping into as many books as I could before being forced by imminent closing time to make my choice. All this took place nearly sixty years ago. I have held a library card ever since. I now have many books of my own but I still hold a card to my local library. When I step across the threshold into that enchanting world of books I become again a ten year old boy in the 'best place on earth'. I hear that many disillusioned librarians feel themselves and their work to be undervalued. Not by me Ladies and Gentlemen. Not by this 70/10 year old. Thank You, Librarians.