The Equalizer

The primary reason for my love of libraries is that prior to retiring, I taught English at the high school level. Books were and are my life. There was something wonderful that happened when I had a library day and set my students loose in our school library. They could not get in fast enough and before long, even my reluctant readers were off in a corner with a book or a magazine. Escaping the tyranny of chairs and desks, they could sprawl anywhere on the carpet and they would be lost for an entire period.

As a secondary reason, there is a freedom to a library that ignores race, socioeconomic status, faith, and appearance. Everyone is welcome and no one is an outsider. Even someone struggling to pay their rent can find resources like computers, printers, and entertainment. A library gives everyone a chance to better themselves. My local library is in a city centre and its always busy with kids, seniors, homeless, and teens; each with their own needs and all of those needs being met. I love going in there.

Finally, I love libraries because I enter another world there. I can happily lose hours wandering the shelves looking for my next favourite author. I am quite the introvert but there is a home for quiet people there. There are also corners for the lonely to find friends or book club members to chat with.

Libraries are the unspoken heroes of a city. I can't think of anyplace else that asks for so little, yet gives so much.