If ever there was a need for evidence of the catastrophic effect of public library cuts, it was here. The place was marshalled by rough-looking women in navy blue overalls, without a qualified librarian in sight. They were more interested in the antics of a bare-bottomed toddler than in delivering quality information services to the general public. The only hope for the future of this essential community service was a three year-old who stalked the shelves. He declared loudly at regular intervals: “Exposure to reading in the pre-school years sets a child up for life”.