To the editor:

I could not agree less with Mark Hirschey’s Take a Stand in which he claims that computers have made book libraries obsolete (Journal-World, Oct. 2). I think people, these days, too often confuse information with wisdom. Admittedly, I’m prejudiced because I built my career and supported my family on skills I learned from reading books borrowed from the public library.

Yes, I do search for facts and data on the computer. I Google regularly.

But when I really want to probe an intelligent mind or master a subject in depth, I turn to books. And I don’t want to read them in the glare of the computer screen; my eyes are bad enough already.

Mr. Hirschey said to ask myself, “When was the last time you were at the library?” My answer: three times last month, and Sunday when I crowded into the sale with other book lovers.

My suggestion regarding the downtown library is just the opposite of his, and a lot cheaper. Let’s leave the present library just as it is, but take out all the public computers. That will create more space for books and other items, at no cost. Then the city can buy or rent an existing space somewhere else – it doesn’t have to be fancy – put the computers there, and call it the Public Computerbrary.

John Clifford,

Lawrence