Would you trust these people with your kid?

Well, of course, not you, but I'm thinking that even parents who haven't cracked a book in years would think twice about sending their children to a pricey private school without any books in the library. They need to realize, at the least, that college admissions Deciders have a vested interest in validating their own expensive educations and are thus likely to look dimly at applicants who have been told they don't need books.
Roger Sutton
Roger Sutton

Editor Emeritus Roger Sutton was editor in chief of The Horn Book, Inc., from 1996-2021. He was previously editor of The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books and a children's and young adult librarian. He received his MA in library science from the University of Chicago in 1982 and a BA from Pitzer College in 1978.

25 COMMENTS
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.
Fill out the form or Login / Register to comment:
(All fields required)

Christine

>No. I'm an Exeter grad and the alumni would revolt over a decision like that. We've got the largest secondary school library in the country. And I wouldn't consider sending my child to Cushing.

The experience of reading a book, versus reading a Kindle are different.

Not to mention that eyestrain on any electronic device is significantly higher than reading printed text.

I'm sure this struck someone as a good idea and cost saving measure. I'm pretty sure that in a few years they're going to be fundraising to replace all the books when they figure out it was not.

Posted : Sep 07, 2009 10:06


Brooke

>Research and pleasure reading are certainly two purposes of a school library, but let's not forget about all those poor teachers who cannot rely on their school library for curriculum support.

Posted : Sep 06, 2009 09:05


Anonymous

>Funny commentary on Edward Champion's blog

http://www.edrants.com/james-tracy-our-digital-martyr/

Posted : Sep 06, 2009 07:20


Anonymous

>this is one way for a 3d-rate school to get PUBLICITY

Posted : Sep 05, 2009 06:13


Anonymous

>This sort of decision underscores why Cushing remains a third or fourth tier school.

Posted : Sep 05, 2009 06:07


View More Comments

RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?