My Fifteen Minutes of Fame?

Yesterday's Los Angeles Times carried a story on security problems at Los Angeles Public Library's Hyde Park branch. I sat down at my keyboard and composed a letter to the editor.

People tend to look at libraries as safe, peaceful oases in an increasingly violent and noisy world. NOT! We host the homeless, mentally ill, drunk, people with reactions to medications, and others on illegal drugs, as well as students researching for reports, children attending storytimes and other programs, and adults seeking information on small business.

Libraries stopped being safe, quiet havens when budget cuts forced states and local government organizations to turn many people into the streets rather than maintain them in custody. Murder, arson, kidnapping, rape, and other crimes against people are not uncommon in urban areas and even supposedly safe suburban and rural areas.