lou's library

Libraries are my favourite places. Think about it: at some point centuries ago, humankind decided it would be wise to store the collective wisdom captured in books in large buildings, available to the public at little to no cost (in 1324 they might not have been to open to the public, I have no clue, please don’t come for me @historians.) And often, beautiful buildings are chosen to house libraries, so it’s even more of a pleasure to spend time in them. The more I think about it, the more I believe libraries to be a miracle that somehow, capitalism has failed to tear from us.

One of the earliest memories I have is going to the library with my Mum and I remember being so excited that I got to choose a big stack of books and take them home. What a genius concept! Honestly, that excitement still hits me every time I loan a book from a library. It makes it easy to try out new genres, because if you end up not liking your first mystery thriller, you didn’t waste 20 euros on it. Even more importantly, it allows all those who can’t afford to spend money on books (especially these days, when you can hardly get a paperback for under 15 euros), to participate in the discourse around books and educate themselves, or simply enjoy the pleasure of escaping between the covers of a book. Without libraries, reading would be a luxury reserved for those affluent enough to afford it.

But libraries are not just great because they let you take books home. They are also communal spaces where people can gather for fun events, or simply come and enjoy a cup of tea on a rainy day. I found this to be particularly true in the UK, where libraries are increasingly becoming safe spaces for people with no other places to go. If you think about it, most collective spaces require you to spend money in order to be allowed to spend time there. Cafes, malls, cinemas are all only open to those who have the means to consume the goods offered there. Libraries are open to anyone, and that is both beautiful and sadly necessary in these trying times. I wish libraries didn’t have to be this safe haven for so many people, but I’m so glad they are there to take on this role.

Which brings me to my next point, which is that nothing pisses me off more than when governments decide that because money must be saved, libraries must be closed or operate on reduced opening hours. It’s happening all over the UK and has been for more than a decade. Why do we think the culture sector must always be the first to take the blow when we’re running low on money? Particularly considering the communal aspect of libraries, closing them and telling your citizens to take the bus for half an hour to get to the next one is simply not okay. It keeps children from falling in love with reading, denies them an education they deserve and a space where they can meet others. It may seem like a small thing in a world in which new horrors await us on the news every day, but it has consequences that affect us all.

When I was in my last year at university, our library was no longer open 24 hours a day. Who needs to go to the library at 3 am, you ask? Some students do. Because they don’t have their own room, or no space where they can study undisturbed. Because their brains function better at night, when there is little distraction from the outside world. Because their essay is due at 7am and they need to get a book to do the research. There are many reasons, and while for some, reduced opening hours may not be a problem, it is a telltale sign of wrong priorities and a failing public system.

I do believe libraries to be one of the best ideas we ever had, and I have a deep appreciation for the role they play in our societies. Whenever I travel, I love visiting local libraries. They grant me glimpses into the lives of the people living there. Libraries have given me space to focus while studying, have seen me despairing over essays and rejoicing over finishing my Master thesis. They have allowed me to wander aimlessly among their shelves for hours, never demanding anything, always offering everything. They house wisdom, and history, and stories. To me, they are sacred spaces and deserve so much more appreciation. Next time you wander past a library, thank the heavens for its existence and then go inside to find your next favourite read