Rural libraries seen as centers for hope and learning. (includes related article on expenditures)

Rural libraries seen as centers for hope and learning

"LAND IS PLACENTA, IT IS LIFE. WITH it, the farmer creates new wealth.... The rest of you just exchange checks," said Anne Kanten, Minnesota Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture, at "Rural Roots," the Public Library Association (PLA) conference-within-a-conference on country libraries April 3.

"In rural America," Kanten continued, "there has been an earthquake followed by four tidal waves. The firsth tidal wave was the dust bowl of the '30s which swept away most black farmers and many poorer white farmers on marginal land. The second tidal wave swept up those who took the advice of bankers and overextended themselves financially. The third wave will board up all the small-town main streets. The fourth wave will …