Sapphire: Cutting libraries is a 'tragic mistake'

In this interview, author, poet and performer Sapphire speaks up for libraries and against cutting library budgets.

“Cutting money from places that could be nurturing and healing and developing young people is just a big mistake. It’s a tragic mistake.”

During the interview, she recalls her mother taking her to the library every week, where they checked out the maximum number of books.

“This is where I got my books.”

She said she uses the library in a variety of ways, including attending a seminar on digital online research Given by the New York Public Library.

Born Romona Lofton, Sapphire is the author of the book Push, which was the basis for the movie Precious, winner of  two Academy Awards in 2009.