I think the most significant failures in public libraries happen when we forget our cultural history. Just recently, the NY Public Library sold off 16 of its’ endowed pieces of art, including the famous “Kindred Spirits” by Durand (that shows Thomas Cole and William Cullen Bryant in the Catskills). This piece of art is not only one of the finest Hudson Valley portraits, but it also reflects the historical greatness of the NY Public Library. (Think: Bryant Park right next to the NYPL...) By selling its treasures, it signifies a paradigm shift in the ways that libraries used to view themselves as cultural and educational centers for the community. If our library identities are up for sale at Sotheby’s, then how are we to be leaders in disseminating information? This grieves me. To see a great response to this horrendous act, and to see why I am now boycotting Wal-Mart ("from Wal-Mart to Wal-Art" heh), click here.