Peter Booth Wiley

Strangely comprehensive (the history of the San Francisco Public Library begins in Ancient Sumeria, apparently), but a well-written look at how a public library is dependent on the goodwill, and checkbooks, of the city's government and people. Speckled with very short essays from local authors on libraries, and some really great photos and illustrations. The essays show varying viewpoints, but there is in general consensus that libraries equal books. It is also interesting to note that when SF's new main was opened in 1996 there was a huge focus on cutting-edge technology. The roots of today's challenges are showing.… (more)