Last week’s letter about “show the door” to the encyclopedia salesman brought back 50-year-old memories of endless hours reading my encyclopedias, all 21 volumes.

I could disappear into ancient history or wonder at page after page of colorful insects, plant and animal collections, look up facts about far away places and famous people and dream about future space travel.

My parents were not well off, but they knew my education was a priority and decided that they must afford both stimulating my mind and putting milk on the table. They felt as I do, that the future of this country relies on its young people and that we must support the local school system to see that students are educated without the distractions of dark, leaky classrooms and failing mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.

Orcas Island schools have won more accolades, awards and recognition than most schools in the state and deserve decent facilities to continue this vital work.

Steve Kline

Eastsound