We people are a strange bunch. We've constructed incredible cities, flown to the moon, and learned how to make pizza. However, we have yet to rid ourselves of all the insecurities, inequities, and injustices that plague our everyday life.
Luckily, there are libraries, places that are perfect for taking a break from all these nuisances. The idea that we ought to fill a building with books to borrow for whoever asks is just so beautiful in its simplicity. There is nothing but upsides to a calm, quiet area where everyone can hang out and read.
And a recent thread on Twitter illustrates this point wonderfully. It all started when one librarian from Atlanta recalled an experience they had with a confused woman.
David's wholesome tweet instantly prompted others to share their own stories of libraries being safe places, and has quickly evolved into a collective read that can warm even the coldest of hearts.
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According to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), libraries form an important part of the public service infrastructure, complementing other institutions such as schools, health centers, and cultural centers, as well as non-public actors such as NGOs.
They frequently have an explicit mission to serve all members of the community, in particular the vulnerable, and are associated with educational opportunities.
In fact, in many places, they are the only genuinely public indoor space. As such, there is both an opportunity and a duty to respond to the need for safe spaces.
The banning of books, the burning of books, is one of the early signs of a dictatorship in power.
They should! Libraries are so important. With all the technology these days people forget how wonderful libraries really are.
Information is a key driver of development; it is what allows us to take better decisions for ourselves and those around us, to innovate, and to create. Providing access to this information in a meaningful way is therefore essential to development, from the individual to the global level, and libraries play an integral part in delivering this.
While it has long been understood that a more literate and educated population is good for overall social and economic progress, some countries are increasingly underlining the direct role of libraries in reducing poverty, in promoting full and active citizenship, democracy, and free expression, and in supporting sustainability.
I get this. When you're between isles and isles of books, the smell, the feeling...everything feels safe. I used to like doing this at uni. Just randomly searching shelves alone. It was so much fun.
The young, who are moving from a situation of dependence (being fed information directly by teachers or families) to independence, take on new responsibilities and must make big choices. As they collect new experiences and find out new things about themselves, the importance of being well-informed grows, as well as simply having a quiet place where they can be calm, and be themselves.
As each person discovers their identity, their information needs become more and more diverse. They often meet challenges – isolation, institutional problems, and literacy, amongst others (and often more than one at once) – that leave them particularly vulnerable. Rapid economic and social change can intensify these situations.
Librarians are awesome! I've know a few in my short lifetime and they're all been really nice people. Keep up the great work!
A man who reads many books lives many lives. A man who reads no books lives only one life.
My husband used to go to New Utrecht with his Gramma every week when he was a kid for "weekly stories". She'd get him a book & he would read it to her! He's in his 40s now & still has the fondests memories of that library too. So glad to hear they are a creeper free safe space!
It's awesome to hear about the wonder and awakening of the spirit that is being shared with us.
"Libraries do see themselves as community hubs," Michael Lynn, Service Development Manager for the Northern Ireland Library Authority, explained. "We do try to offer that space that people need within communities if they want to come and browse books, if they want to engage in some of our activities, read a book, to study or use our computer facilities."
The organization oversees 96 physical libraries and Lynn said they're all different; each one has its own particular niche within the community. "Some of them are big bustling libraries, like city center libraries such as Lisburn and Belfast Central. But then you go into the smaller communities, not just rural communities, some of the smaller urban communities, and you find there is a real core of people who do use the libraries and depend on them and look forward to using them."
This is the kind of idiocy I grew up with... we then I read, I block everything else out. Total immersion. My mother would get mad because I didnt hear her call me from the other room so she would throw things and hit me to get my attention. Her favorite objects to throw? Books, of course.
This is so true. That librarian who suggested books and took interest in you and smiled when you took books out. In homes where there is little to no encouragement or approbation, this means the world.
Yes, yes, yes, Libraries are welcoming to everyone, spent 37 years as a Youth Services Libraians and helped many of all ages finding what they needed even when sometimes it was a place to be away from the outside world.
Libraries offer plenty of different types of events, too.
"We've got events for children in terms of school class visits and storytimes ... for moms and wee toddlers," Lynn said.
“We've got reading groups for adults, tea and newspaper clubs, Knit and Natter where groups can come together. We've got our digital offering as well, our Go On sessions that we run for people. They will cover all sorts of activities like scam awareness, using iPads, money-saving ideas, and tips, how to use WhatsApp and Zoom."
That was very kind indeed. Above and beyond the scope of their regular duties.
It bothers me that some people condemn that rich people in the past ONLY put money towards building libraries. They knew what they were doing.
The librarian at my school would let me move the TV carts so I could hide from everything I created a sort of fort in a corner and read by myself, I loved her!
That's fantastic! She may have been being neglected, her medication may not be working as effectively, or her condition could be worsening. It was very kind of them to pay attention, be diligent and locate her family, and take care to inform them of the changes that they've noticed.
As Lynn said, it's not just about books anymore. Libraries are working to create something that meets the needs of everyone.
"It's also about bringing people together socially," he continued. "It's about trying to combat that social isolation that there is in urban and rural communities. It's giving people a sense of place, giving them somewhere they can come, they won’t be bothered, and do whatever it is they need to do."
And judging from this Twitter thread, people definitely value these efforts.
What a wonderful librarian. Sadly, most of us are trained on how to administer Narcan and keep a supply at the ready. Many of us have sharps containers in our offices. The pain of the opioid epidemic hurts our hearts. But better someone ODs in a place where we can help than in a desolate alley with no one around.
One recent story from New Zealand perfectly describes the people who work at and visit libraries.
As the country celebrated a national holiday, one of its largest city libraries was closed, with staff and security given the day off. However, an error with the automated door programming meant Tūranga's doors opened to the public as usual – and the unstaffed and unsecured library was happily used by the public, who browsed and checked out books for hours before someone realized what happened.
As well as its books, the library is also home to a wide variety of artworks and sculptures – but staff say nothing was stolen, and there were no serious incidents to report.
Any chance Catherine is still alive? If so, and if it wouldn’t be too hard to track her down, you should do so and tell her. If she is still living, your gesture would mean the world to her.
A library staff member at Christchurch city council said 380 people came into the building that Sunday morning.
"Our self-issue machines automatically started up and 147 books were issued by customers. No book-theft alarms went off, and at this stage, nothing has been reported missing, nor have we spotted any damage."
“We're grateful for the honesty of the people who used the library during this time," Bruce Rendall, the head of facilities, property, and planning at Christchurch city council,l added
He said there had been an investigation and the door system failing was “very rare”.
A cell phone, usually provided by the government, is the only way the homeless can access services, while providing them a lifeline to society.
You just have to keep cool and if you go along with them they will be very little trouble!
Yep right up there with my, Social Insurance, heath card (Canada) and Citizenship. Don't leave home without them
One of the first things I thought of when Covid closed down the Central Library in Portland was the worry of what would happen to the homeless. They do such good work with helping the homeless, especially during the 8 months of the year when we have bad weather. Just the fact that there are multi floors with sitting places so that they can get out of the rain and cold is very helpful. Can't even imagine how many lives have been saved. I've had a library card for 50 years. It is one of my most prized possessions.
Have you ever seen an angry librarian, I have but they are the calmest angry person you will meet in your life. I was in the library and was close enough to here a man berating a cognitive disabled man, they poor fellow was so scared - I went to the librarian told her an accompanied her to the the older man still giving this poor fellow hell, the old man came in to read papers and the other fellow messed them up - She told him very quietly in no uncertain terms where to go and that was out but could come back when he learned to treat all human beings the way we have treated him. It was just so cool how she did this she was calm and cool never raised her voice but you knew if you did not obey her death may ensue!
Note: this post originally had 88 images. It’s been shortened to the top 35 images based on user votes.
If I could find a library, I wanted to live in it. Still do. Just ive me a place to sleep in between reading books!
My towns small library was my favorite place. An old granite gothic small building. Nooks and crannies I could go and read away from bullies. It expanded but kept that small part integrated into the new wing. When I drive past I only see the small part. I read all my favorite authors there. It was a safe zone to run to when bullies chased me. I would pop in an sit in the middle where I could be seen. The trouble makers would circle but the staff would push them out for being disruptive. I'd call my mom and she would get me if I saw they hadn't left the area. Fund these places. They made school work easier before computers and phones. Have a date there with someone. Pick books to talk about.
I was assigned to work in the library while with the school system. I was in the back doing Dewey and walked out to shelve a couple of books. Sitting at a table were three rascally boys who gears were always turning in their pointed little heads, intensely focused on a big book of flowers or something I'd never think would interest them. As I walked back to my workroom, I happened to get a glimpse of Ms April in the Playboy they had been reading behind the covers of the other book. So I snuck up behind them and whispered "Wait till you see Ms. May". I didn't bust 'em. But they knew they weren't ready for the big leagues yet.
Our local library shut out the homeless during Covid and I sent back my card with a letter of explanation. I use a University library now instead. The public library stayed open but they closed the bathrooms and wouldn't let anyone past the lobby. At least a dozen homeless regulars were without toilets, drinking water, internet access, and climate control. Horrible. I'm embarrassed for my city!
Did the library want to deny access, or was it ordered to do so by the Powers That Be?
Load More Replies...The library is my ultimate happy place. I've been going to the same one since I was 6 years old and I have spent countless hours picking out books. It was the only activity my dad would do with me (he was always very busy) and after he passed away the librarians asked me where he was and why they didn't see him any longer
Because like everyone else, it was my safe space. My family was not abusive but they were a lot. They had expectations I couldn't meet, my parents fought and my sister constantly threw fits when she couldn't go out. I liked it quiet. I liked to be left alone. And people wonder why I prefer sensory free environments.
My mom was a librarian at an elementary school. Every day she ate lunch with the same kid who got bullied on the playground. She ran tons of fundraisers and every year made sure there was a book drive. Every kid got to go to the library and pick out a book to keep forever. It was really important to her to make sure everybody reads. To this day if I mention a book that sounds interesting it's in my mailbox 2 days later. Sadly after my mom ran the library funds for 10 years the PTA voted and took it over and the president stole thousands of dollars.
There's so much money being wasted in schools. I've heard many stories about the PTA, the fundraising and I swear, we could have had a swap meet with all the clothes kids left behind (with no name in them). We had a huge eucalyptus tree that fell over and people were taking pictures like crazy. I thought we should get a chain saw and cut it up for souvenirs and raise some moolah that way.
Load More Replies...I remember as a kid showing up to school in a wheelchair, after surgery. I was given the option to do classwork and just spend my day there. I had become friends with our librarian and I would help put books away. We'd talk and I was able to have lunch with her. I made a point to visit the library everyday once I was walking again.
My mom fostered a love for libraries and literacy in general in me at a young age. I love libraries and always felt comfortable in them. Years ago when I was briefly working a door-to-door sales job I hated, I skipped out on doing the work and just headed to a local library to spend my days.
This thread made me ugly cry. The library was my escape from a bad home situation. I would ride my bike there and load up on adventures. Then when it got ugly at home I could hide and escape to a different world. Libraries are amazing!
I've loved the library since I was 10 years old. It's where I fell in love with books. I used to ride or walk to the closest one constantly during summer vacations. I was passing by recently and stopped. The feeling of walking in to "where it all began" was like coming home.
Sometimes I have panic attacks if there is too much noise or too many people near me. I grew up in NYC and learned early on that if I was out and needed a quiet place to compose myself, the library was a safe place.
UK here - Libraries are from a bygone era. I drive past one every day and it's always empty. Everyone is just engrossed in their phones
The library was where I spent a lot of my time - even if it was the school library. Though my middle school librarian wasn't the best. She was pretty jaded. By the time I left we had a better relationship. Might have helped I read War and Peace while I was spending my time there. I used books to escape so much - turn about is fair play though I wish I would have gotten reigned in a bit, I had a hard time telling reality from fantasy for awhile. I used to scroll 'think fantasy not reality' anywhere I could. Today that makes me sad, I know why I wrote it but I wish I could've just given younger me a massive hug. I still love books and libraries thought they're my favorite place.
I used to work in a library that was an old Carnegie library. It was that scruffy beautiful old comfortable sort of building. I rember a ouple of times I helped people -one was a Russian lady new to the country - she could not speak a word of English, but her iPhone translated enough for her to tell us she was having problems. I knew 2 patrons who spoke Russian. The lady stayed in the library until one of them got back to us. We let them talk on the phone, it made the new lady so happy! The patron who helped her out got her family's fines overwritten by me. I didn't let the head librarian know. The library has been renovated into something I can't really accept as comfortable.
I was a very early reader and consumed books daily. Attempting to check out some which were more suitable for a teen reader, the librarian said they were too old for me, although my mother was with me and had agreed my choices. After reading a couple of pages to the member of staff, she agreed that I could indeed take them all. She was looking out for my mental health too.
John Steinbeck Library in Salinas, Ca, my favorite place. In 2004, due to the economy, the city wanted to shorten the hours the library would be open by closing the library on Saturdays and closing early in the evening. There was a massive protest by not only students, but also of the general citizenry of the Salinas and the surrounding towns. Someone managed to put a black armband on the statue of John Steinbeck. In the end it was decided the library would remain opened on Saturdays, the evening hours would remain the same, it would just open later in the morning. I now live in another state and still have my John Steinbeck library card. Inactive but still something I treasure.
Grew up in a small town in south Jersey. I knew I had finally grown up when my mom started letting me go to the library by myself. Normally you could only take out 3 books, but after showing up 3-4 times a week for several months (and talking to my mom) they told me I could check out up to 10! Thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I'm still a voracious reader.
I was a librarian for 32 years, starting as Children's Librarian, eventually became Branch Librarian, but kept my Storytime Hat for the kids. I recently heard to my dismay, that the the Council has decided to close the library, due to the drop in circulation figures. The City Accountants have no idea what a solace a neighbourhood library is to elderly folk, who can walk to the library, they are just concerned about the expense of running the service. I have suggested that they get the community involved - Use Us, or Lose Us!
The US minority/refugee/political asylees enclave my family was dropped off in by INS (now known as ICE) was ground zero for Asian gang activities. They along with the growing Mexican gangs and inner city gangs all had one truce; no one touches the library or librarians. It's sacred grounds. No business conducted, no fights, no threats, better not let anyone know they've brought weapons within a 5 mile radius of one either. NO. ONE. Someone thought they could start their little drug trafficking business inside of a minor branch because of this. They also thought they'd get a pass because they're former child soldiers with "difficult home lives" and were teen moms/dads. The retaliation was damn near instant. And deadly. No second chances.
I loved libraries as a kid, would spend all day in them. One Saturday, I was in my local library, reading quietly in a corner. So quiet that they didn't notice me when it closed and I was locked in!
When I was a child, back in the early 70s, my local public library moved out of its original building - which had been deemed "not fit for purpose" - into a brand new purpose built one. There was the music library on the ground floor along with the books for grown ups, with the reference library, children's section, and a few research rooms etc. upstairs. Then around ten years or so ago, the local council decreed that the library was to move *out* of its nice purpose built premises, and back *into* the old building - which is a quarter of the size - with the purpose built building being converted into more office space for the council. If I were of a suspicious nature, I would think that someone, somewhere, doesn't want us ordinary folks to have free access to books.
My mom would drop me off some days when we were out of school in the morning and leave me money to go the deli next door for lunch. Came and picked me up at 5. I loved it
These ones got to me. Grew up in poverty, homeless, parents married and divorced each other 4 times, and had other spouses in between. Overdoses, alcoholism, abuse, rape, you name it, I probably went through it during my childhood. Highlight of my week was going to the library, went every single Friday after school. We rarely had TV and no money for other types of entertainment, so those books meant a lot to me. I have read at least two books a week since the age of 5.
You know what is really sad the authors - sure they get paid huge royalties - the popular ones but I have read some great books by (I'm ashamed to say) who's names I can't remember and maybe no one else has found them. They do not know what a gift they have given to someone like me who thinks that sometimes you can tell a book by its cover! To all the so-called insignificant authors I would like to THANK YOU. And wish with all my heart I could do the same!
I just got back from the library, where I printed my 36-page tax return for free and scanned in some documents for my records. Tonight I will watch "The Water Diviner" for free on the library's streaming service. Thanks to the library, I don't need to own a printer or pay for streaming movies!
I LOVE the library! I use it every week, usually more than once. It's an emotional and intellectual lifesaver!
When I was 8 the school library would not let me check out books for 10 to 12 age range. My mom took me to the public library to get my first library card. Proudest day of my life. Btw if you are a librarian in Idaho they want to fine you $1000.00 and up to a year in jail if you let a child check out a book that is questionable. Especially books about gay and transgender.
If I could find a library, I wanted to live in it. Still do. Just ive me a place to sleep in between reading books!
My towns small library was my favorite place. An old granite gothic small building. Nooks and crannies I could go and read away from bullies. It expanded but kept that small part integrated into the new wing. When I drive past I only see the small part. I read all my favorite authors there. It was a safe zone to run to when bullies chased me. I would pop in an sit in the middle where I could be seen. The trouble makers would circle but the staff would push them out for being disruptive. I'd call my mom and she would get me if I saw they hadn't left the area. Fund these places. They made school work easier before computers and phones. Have a date there with someone. Pick books to talk about.
I was assigned to work in the library while with the school system. I was in the back doing Dewey and walked out to shelve a couple of books. Sitting at a table were three rascally boys who gears were always turning in their pointed little heads, intensely focused on a big book of flowers or something I'd never think would interest them. As I walked back to my workroom, I happened to get a glimpse of Ms April in the Playboy they had been reading behind the covers of the other book. So I snuck up behind them and whispered "Wait till you see Ms. May". I didn't bust 'em. But they knew they weren't ready for the big leagues yet.
Our local library shut out the homeless during Covid and I sent back my card with a letter of explanation. I use a University library now instead. The public library stayed open but they closed the bathrooms and wouldn't let anyone past the lobby. At least a dozen homeless regulars were without toilets, drinking water, internet access, and climate control. Horrible. I'm embarrassed for my city!
Did the library want to deny access, or was it ordered to do so by the Powers That Be?
Load More Replies...The library is my ultimate happy place. I've been going to the same one since I was 6 years old and I have spent countless hours picking out books. It was the only activity my dad would do with me (he was always very busy) and after he passed away the librarians asked me where he was and why they didn't see him any longer
Because like everyone else, it was my safe space. My family was not abusive but they were a lot. They had expectations I couldn't meet, my parents fought and my sister constantly threw fits when she couldn't go out. I liked it quiet. I liked to be left alone. And people wonder why I prefer sensory free environments.
My mom was a librarian at an elementary school. Every day she ate lunch with the same kid who got bullied on the playground. She ran tons of fundraisers and every year made sure there was a book drive. Every kid got to go to the library and pick out a book to keep forever. It was really important to her to make sure everybody reads. To this day if I mention a book that sounds interesting it's in my mailbox 2 days later. Sadly after my mom ran the library funds for 10 years the PTA voted and took it over and the president stole thousands of dollars.
There's so much money being wasted in schools. I've heard many stories about the PTA, the fundraising and I swear, we could have had a swap meet with all the clothes kids left behind (with no name in them). We had a huge eucalyptus tree that fell over and people were taking pictures like crazy. I thought we should get a chain saw and cut it up for souvenirs and raise some moolah that way.
Load More Replies...I remember as a kid showing up to school in a wheelchair, after surgery. I was given the option to do classwork and just spend my day there. I had become friends with our librarian and I would help put books away. We'd talk and I was able to have lunch with her. I made a point to visit the library everyday once I was walking again.
My mom fostered a love for libraries and literacy in general in me at a young age. I love libraries and always felt comfortable in them. Years ago when I was briefly working a door-to-door sales job I hated, I skipped out on doing the work and just headed to a local library to spend my days.
This thread made me ugly cry. The library was my escape from a bad home situation. I would ride my bike there and load up on adventures. Then when it got ugly at home I could hide and escape to a different world. Libraries are amazing!
I've loved the library since I was 10 years old. It's where I fell in love with books. I used to ride or walk to the closest one constantly during summer vacations. I was passing by recently and stopped. The feeling of walking in to "where it all began" was like coming home.
Sometimes I have panic attacks if there is too much noise or too many people near me. I grew up in NYC and learned early on that if I was out and needed a quiet place to compose myself, the library was a safe place.
UK here - Libraries are from a bygone era. I drive past one every day and it's always empty. Everyone is just engrossed in their phones
The library was where I spent a lot of my time - even if it was the school library. Though my middle school librarian wasn't the best. She was pretty jaded. By the time I left we had a better relationship. Might have helped I read War and Peace while I was spending my time there. I used books to escape so much - turn about is fair play though I wish I would have gotten reigned in a bit, I had a hard time telling reality from fantasy for awhile. I used to scroll 'think fantasy not reality' anywhere I could. Today that makes me sad, I know why I wrote it but I wish I could've just given younger me a massive hug. I still love books and libraries thought they're my favorite place.
I used to work in a library that was an old Carnegie library. It was that scruffy beautiful old comfortable sort of building. I rember a ouple of times I helped people -one was a Russian lady new to the country - she could not speak a word of English, but her iPhone translated enough for her to tell us she was having problems. I knew 2 patrons who spoke Russian. The lady stayed in the library until one of them got back to us. We let them talk on the phone, it made the new lady so happy! The patron who helped her out got her family's fines overwritten by me. I didn't let the head librarian know. The library has been renovated into something I can't really accept as comfortable.
I was a very early reader and consumed books daily. Attempting to check out some which were more suitable for a teen reader, the librarian said they were too old for me, although my mother was with me and had agreed my choices. After reading a couple of pages to the member of staff, she agreed that I could indeed take them all. She was looking out for my mental health too.
John Steinbeck Library in Salinas, Ca, my favorite place. In 2004, due to the economy, the city wanted to shorten the hours the library would be open by closing the library on Saturdays and closing early in the evening. There was a massive protest by not only students, but also of the general citizenry of the Salinas and the surrounding towns. Someone managed to put a black armband on the statue of John Steinbeck. In the end it was decided the library would remain opened on Saturdays, the evening hours would remain the same, it would just open later in the morning. I now live in another state and still have my John Steinbeck library card. Inactive but still something I treasure.
Grew up in a small town in south Jersey. I knew I had finally grown up when my mom started letting me go to the library by myself. Normally you could only take out 3 books, but after showing up 3-4 times a week for several months (and talking to my mom) they told me I could check out up to 10! Thought I'd died and gone to heaven! I'm still a voracious reader.
I was a librarian for 32 years, starting as Children's Librarian, eventually became Branch Librarian, but kept my Storytime Hat for the kids. I recently heard to my dismay, that the the Council has decided to close the library, due to the drop in circulation figures. The City Accountants have no idea what a solace a neighbourhood library is to elderly folk, who can walk to the library, they are just concerned about the expense of running the service. I have suggested that they get the community involved - Use Us, or Lose Us!
The US minority/refugee/political asylees enclave my family was dropped off in by INS (now known as ICE) was ground zero for Asian gang activities. They along with the growing Mexican gangs and inner city gangs all had one truce; no one touches the library or librarians. It's sacred grounds. No business conducted, no fights, no threats, better not let anyone know they've brought weapons within a 5 mile radius of one either. NO. ONE. Someone thought they could start their little drug trafficking business inside of a minor branch because of this. They also thought they'd get a pass because they're former child soldiers with "difficult home lives" and were teen moms/dads. The retaliation was damn near instant. And deadly. No second chances.
I loved libraries as a kid, would spend all day in them. One Saturday, I was in my local library, reading quietly in a corner. So quiet that they didn't notice me when it closed and I was locked in!
When I was a child, back in the early 70s, my local public library moved out of its original building - which had been deemed "not fit for purpose" - into a brand new purpose built one. There was the music library on the ground floor along with the books for grown ups, with the reference library, children's section, and a few research rooms etc. upstairs. Then around ten years or so ago, the local council decreed that the library was to move *out* of its nice purpose built premises, and back *into* the old building - which is a quarter of the size - with the purpose built building being converted into more office space for the council. If I were of a suspicious nature, I would think that someone, somewhere, doesn't want us ordinary folks to have free access to books.
My mom would drop me off some days when we were out of school in the morning and leave me money to go the deli next door for lunch. Came and picked me up at 5. I loved it
These ones got to me. Grew up in poverty, homeless, parents married and divorced each other 4 times, and had other spouses in between. Overdoses, alcoholism, abuse, rape, you name it, I probably went through it during my childhood. Highlight of my week was going to the library, went every single Friday after school. We rarely had TV and no money for other types of entertainment, so those books meant a lot to me. I have read at least two books a week since the age of 5.
You know what is really sad the authors - sure they get paid huge royalties - the popular ones but I have read some great books by (I'm ashamed to say) who's names I can't remember and maybe no one else has found them. They do not know what a gift they have given to someone like me who thinks that sometimes you can tell a book by its cover! To all the so-called insignificant authors I would like to THANK YOU. And wish with all my heart I could do the same!
I just got back from the library, where I printed my 36-page tax return for free and scanned in some documents for my records. Tonight I will watch "The Water Diviner" for free on the library's streaming service. Thanks to the library, I don't need to own a printer or pay for streaming movies!
I LOVE the library! I use it every week, usually more than once. It's an emotional and intellectual lifesaver!
When I was 8 the school library would not let me check out books for 10 to 12 age range. My mom took me to the public library to get my first library card. Proudest day of my life. Btw if you are a librarian in Idaho they want to fine you $1000.00 and up to a year in jail if you let a child check out a book that is questionable. Especially books about gay and transgender.