Why I Give, Dean Smith

Because public libraries change lives for the better! Growing up, I was surrounded by reading materials and I still have several of my cherished childhood favorites. I know that reading gave me the most important parts of my education and intellectual development. And I know that reading can improve the lives of everyone.

Public libraries provide access to reading materials and information for everyone in their communities resulting in higher literacy rates, better economic conditions, lower incarceration levels and higher property values—a return on investment that is quite hard to beat.