Singleton
Monowi, Nebraska’s library system has a 5000 book to 1 resident ratio. Which is to say, 5000 books. This article focuses on the library, but bibliophilic as I am, I found more interesting the ramifications of being the only resident in town.
Monowi remains an incorporated town because there’s no reason to dissolve it. Elsie grants herself her own liquor license, collects taxes from herself — “it’s a matter of cents, really” — and keeps the books.
Every year, Elsie has to approve a municipal road plan to receive Monowi’s share of state transportation funds, which she sends to the county to maintain the two-lane highway that runs past her tavern.
A Notice of Public Hearing is duly posted in the tavern, announcing an upcoming meeting on the road plan for all citizens of Monowi to voice “support, opposition and/or suggestions.” The meeting is to be held “at the usual place.” Elsie figures it won’t last long.
When the state sends her paperwork, “I just sign wherever it needs to be signed: mayor, secretary, treasurer,” Elsie says. “They know I’m the only one up here.”
There are >20000 English books listed at http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/ (plus other languages) available legitimately and freely on the net, so EVERYone (with net connection) has that many in their personal library, minimum. A boon for any 2.5th world country ( >3rd world). Somebody in his shack in Ethiopia may be reading them now. (If they aren't reading this blog.)
Posted by asdffda on February 20 2005 02:48