Like the humble starfish that preserves entire marine ecosystems by eating mussels, the American public library is the keystone species in the ecosystem of reading.

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A. has formed alliances with many companies and institutions, including the Boston Public Library, the American Museum of Natural History, and Johns Hopkins University.

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Although they have suffered their share of slings and arrows from recent budget cuts and shorter hours, the American Library Association reports that in the decade ending in 2009, there was actually a net public library increase.

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However, the American Library Association claims the program has revolutionized libraries, allowing them to provide public Internet access and other services that would disappear if the program were cut.

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