Yaffe, Asimov, et al. on the importance of libraries.

Frederic Dannay (aka
Ellery Queen), left,
and James Yaffe, 1943
Library of Congress,
Prints & Photographs
Division

In 1971 Troy (MI) librarian Marguerite Hart wrote to a number of prominent individuals asking for their statement on the importance of libraries. Among those who responded: Isaac Asimov, who wrote, "[a library is] a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life";
E. B. White, who wrote, "Books hold most of the secrets of the world"; and mystery writer-playwright-screenwriter James Yaffe, who wrote, "Through books we can realize, in part, our wild ambitions." The collection of responses has been digitized and can be found here. (Hat tip to Letters of Note)