Is the local public library priceless?

From http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6616470.html?industryid=47090
Article: San Diego Mayor Wants To Proceed with Library Closings; Budget Analyst Urges Review
Public libraries usually require tax money to run. As we learned earlier, there is no public service as utilized in comparison to the (tax payers) cost. The library is especially invaluable during tough economic times. It is a treasure trove to unemployed patrons by providing books on job searching, resume writing and internet access. Families can access books that they may not otherwise be able to afford. Reading greatly improves a child’s ability to do better in school. Ultimately it is a vital public service.
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders has proposed the closing of seven of the 35 branches in the city. Originally the plan was for the seven libraries to be closed temporarily and open again in 2010. It was then pushed back to 2014 and now perhaps they could stay closed permanently. Nothing has been officially decided.
Already 31 of the branches are open only 41 hours a week. Library Director Deborah Barrow explains that the changing and limited services has confused and frustrated the public. Barrow feels closing some of the branches will improve service at the remaining libraries. Already library employees have had their hours cut back and turnover is high adding to the costs.
Even Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who earned Library Journal’s Politicians of the Year award in 2005 for his innovated ways to keep libraries open, has had to reconsider closing some libraries in 2008. http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6620248.html
What do these closings mean for the public? San Diego Director Deborah Barrow has a valid point in wanting to provide the highest level of service even if it means closing some libraries. How will this affect the areas around the closed libraries? It seems certain that many patrons in the affected areas will simply not use the library anymore due to lack of access. Transportation alone could be a hindrance.
What are the answers? All avenues must be explored to avoid losing libraries. It is a highly charged political arena and some skill in this area would beneficial. The very last place governments should cut costs is at the local public library. As future librarians we must hone our skills in grant writing, federal funding applications such as the e-rate and volunteer recruiting. Not all of us will be going into the public librarian realm. These skills as well as our ability to stay on the cutting edge of technology will prove libraries and librarians as the priceless community services they are well into the future.