There’s so much to love about libraries. They are magic civic spaces. In a consumer society, libraries are more special than ever.
Did you know that a public library is one of the few places where you can:
- Hang out and not be expected to buy anything
- Interact with a human being (your friendly librarian) who wants nothing from you
- Read, listen, watch, borrow, and use stuff for free
- Access the internet without ads, gimmicks, or payment
- Walk in and feel welcome no matter your wealth, age, gender, ethnicity, or politics
- Take a break from advertising
Like national parks, public libraries are one of America’s great ideas. Paid for by taxes and available to all, public libraries are a relatively new invention in the context of global history. Like national parks, public libraries make America great.
The photo to the right is from Freeport Public Library where I often work. I also work at the Portland library, and Yarmouth, Falmouth, Brunswick, South Portland, Westbrook, Saco, Augusta, Lewiston. I know them all because local libraries are my offices on the road. In between meetings, public libraries are perfect for me. Sometimes I book their little conference rooms for Zoom meetings.
Below is my office at the Portland Public Library looking out at Monument Square.
