I was just talking to someone about how important libraries are.
When I was young, our library was a safe haven. I could go there and hide away from peer pressure. An avid reader, I felt accepted and comfortable.
Sitting in a pile of Oz books, I accomplished quests and stood against evil. No one timed me at the library. No one limited me there. All the treasures were offered freely, with no strings.
I don’t have time to go to the library as an adult as much, but whenever I do it’s the same safe haven. My new library is half a continent and three decades away from my old one but it’s the same place. Librarians don’t judge and they forgive all sins but those committed against books.
I wonder how many misfit kids find their safe haven in the library? There are no outcasts in worlds inhabited by hobbits, vampires and mad hatters. I love the library still because there is a place where all are equal – race, politics, religion – none of it matters. Literature equalizes us.
Books don’t judge.