In the age of computers and television, where we receive information through images and sound, does anyone value reading anymore? Several residents of Monterey County proved the written word is still going strong.

Margo Sperry

Age: 22

Occupation: CNA

Resides: Seaside

What type of books do you like to read? I usually read romance novels.

Who''s your favorite author? Jude Deveraux

Do you think reading is important? Extremely important. You lose your ability to imagine things unless you read.

Have you ever wanted to be a writer? Yes. Do I have the temperament for it? No.

Do you believe some books should be banned? No. I believe some things should be harder to get a hold of. There has to be some standard.

Jerry Rehn

Age: 29

Occupation: Graphic artist

Resides: Salinas

What type of books do you like to read? Usually something to do with music. Biographies.

What''s the first book you remember reading? Where the Wild Things Are.

Do you think reading is important? Yeah, even though I hate it.

Do you believe some books should be banned? No. You start censoring one, you have to censor them all.

E. Schindelheim

Age: "Beyond 39"

Occupation: Mom

Resides: King City

What type of books do you like to read? I like anything that has a good story line.

Who''s your favorite author? I have so many books I like, I don''t have one favorite author.

Do you think reading is important? It''s one of the most important things. Reading is the key.

What''s the first book you remember reading? King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry.

Do you believe some books should be banned? No! I don''t think any book should be banned.

Art Smiley

Age: 31

Occupation: Navy

Resides: Seaside

What type of books do you like to read? I like good fiction books. I like a lot of King stuff.

Why do you read? Relaxation.

Do you think reading is important? Yes. It exercises your mind.

Do you believe some books should be banned? No. I''m pretty open to freedom of speech.

Gear DeGuire

Age: 51

Occupation: Artist

Resides: Carmel Valley

What''s your favorite book? The Perfect Crime, by Jean Baudrillard.

Why do you read? To learn. Never for entertainment.

Do you think reading is important? I think it''s essential, though interpretation of what you read is more important.

Do you believe some books should be banned? Never. I can''t stand it.