47% of Detroiters Can't Read, But They Have a Really Nice Library

From radio station WWJ – According to a new report, 47 percent of Detroiters are ”functionally illiterate.” The alarming new statistics were released by the Detroit Regional Workforce Fund on Wednesday.

From The Detroit News - Documents show a $2.3 million overhaul of part of the Detroit Public Library's main branch included eight stainless-steel trash cans that cost a total of about $8,900.

And, also from the Detroit News - Detroit Public Library officials say finances have grown so bad they could close most neighborhood branches, but in a few weeks plan to unveil a revamped wing of a main library that even administrators say spares few expenses.

The South Wing is stocked with 20 yellow and orange European lounge chairs that cost $1,092 apiece, artistic pendant light fixtures and two alcohol-burning fireplaces. The project morphed from a $300,000 furniture update to a $2.3 million overhaul with new floors, study rooms, lighting and built-in, wood-framed book shelves.