Re: “Trump escalates trade battles with series of worldwide tariffs” (April 3, A1) and “Trump administration moves to shutter U.S. library agency” (April 1, A2):
I used to be an writer and library employee till I caught lengthy COVID-19. Writing was my lifeline whereas struggling to get better.
All my lifelines have been reduce by the Trump administration.
Paper for books comes from Canada, Mexico or China. Tariffs imply costs will go up.
My former colleagues are despondent on the lack of the Institute of Museum and Library Providers. Many methods must pare down companies — like buying books on request, e-book lending (on which I rely, since lengthy COVID decimates immune methods). Branches might shut totally.
This can be a catastrophe for publishing. Conventional publishers will elevate costs to account for tariffs, which implies libraries will be capable to afford fewer purchases.
Which means that my readers may not be capable to request my books. Fewer books shall be revealed, distributed, learn. Ideological variety will endure. Kids’s literacy will endure.
Personally, my prices for just about every thing will enhance — together with lifesaving remedy, for the reason that majority of producers of energetic pharmaceutical substances supplying the U.S. market are abroad.
I’m involved about my group, my former colleagues and trade, and the flexibility to proceed to put in writing. President Donald Trump’s harmful actions endanger all of it.
Anna Holmes, Mukilteo
