A world without a library?

A few years ago, a student essay contest was hosted in New York City with the topic “A World Without Libraries.” More than 50 students from elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools submitted essays sharing their views about what the world might be like without libraries. Some of the students’ observations included:

1. “A library is a need in our community. That is what I’m trying to explain to you. A library has knowledge and we can never get too much knowledge.”

2. “So a world without libraries would be a dump. People won’t find as much information. People’s education will decline...