Let's look at the facts. The illiteracy rate in 1870 was estimated at 20% unable to read or write in any language, compared to today's less than one percent (this is for the most basic of skills). And certainly the percentage of those reading for leisure or pleasure was much lower in former times. Nowadays, 46.7% of the adult populations report reading "literary" materials.

We're not saying the reading life is perfect. An estimated 20% of adults have low literacy skills. And children from birth onward through school need encouragement and support to gain the skills they need to read well and enjoy it.

Library People:

• Provides an avenue for involving individuals, corporations and foundations in library and literacy issues.
• Focuses on services in the most needy areas of our state, for example, by providing unrestricted grants to small and rural libraries.
• Increases community outreach and involvement, resulting in advocacy and visibility on behalf of libraries of all types statewide.
• Supports the establishment and growth of local Friends groups as well as other development and technical assistance.

Established a number of years ago, Library People rejuvenated itself in 2005. New members of the Board of Directors began working, volunteers took charge of special projects, library staff and local Friends of the Library groups provided opinions and suggestions.

Colorado deserves a statewide library group. Reading doesn't stop when you travel from county to county. Issues and programs cross government boundaries. Colorado deserves Library People.