Yesterday, we posted about Hazel Gaynor, author of A Memory of Violets, and her love for her local library. Hazel recently shared with us an article from U.K. news source The Guardian about how the library patrons of the United Kingdom have banded together in attempts to save their local libraries, attempts that already met with great success when the city of Liverpool cancelled the closure of 11 out of its 18 public libraries following protests. Now that Book Week Scotland has started this week, The Guardian will be sharing some of their favorite love letters to libraries, starting with selections from some of the greatest literary minds:
"I ransack public libraries, and find them full of sunk treasure.” —Virginia Woolf
"The very existence of libraries affords the best evidence that we may yet have hope for the future of man.” —TS Eliot
"With a library you are free, not confined by temporary political climates. It is the most democratic of institutions because no one – but no one at all – can tell you what to read and when and how.” —Doris Lessing
Even though we're way over here across the pond, anyone can still show your support for libraries and share your love and belief in their value as a cultural institution by writing to your local library or government about how much libraries mean to you. Share the love, people!
-Amanda