Libraries Are Liberty

Libraries literally aren’t just places to borrow books for free. They’re some of the last truly public spaces where you’re allowed to simply exist without being expected to spend money.

— G. F. Allen (@AuthorGFAllen) July 9, 2026

I love libraries.  They are the greatest spaces ever created by humankind.

The Way Public Library, where Mom worked for much of my youth, was across the street from Perrysburg Junior High, and I spent many hours there after school (when I wasn't at the laundromat next door playing Galaga).  Lots of summer days, too, reading in a favorite bay window seat (uh, sorry about burning a hole in the fabric with a magnifying glass, I was just testing something I'd read about).

I also really enjoyed the Toledo Public Library, which felt like a cathedral to me.  Completely different style, but the same sense of magic as the one in Wings of Desire.  The Seattle Central Library feels similar to me, too, and I loved walking over there with the kids when we lived downtown.

The little one we have on Vashon is pretty great as well.  Sadie goes there to do homework with friends.  Sam hangs out there while waiting for the Metro bus.

And for me, back in the dark times, the library was a sanctuary.  It was a place I could stay for hours and hours and hours in public and in safety.  It's also where I started reading about domestic violence, which helped me understand what the hell was going on in my life, and that I really needed to do something about it.

I don't spend so much time there nowadays.  Mostly I borrow e-books at this juncture, but occasionally will get an interlibrary loan, and I still drop in simply to sit a spell, or use their printing services (my 10yo printer gave up the ghost and I am loathe to replace it).  I just like being at home more than I did back in the day, since the threat level has reduced significantly.

I hope the angels don't miss me too much.

Selah.

PS - How could I have forgotten to mention the iconic Miller Library at my alma mater?  I watched movies there when I didn't have a VCR, learned a lot about information security in the terminal room down in the basement, and sometimes even did real school work.  Got frisky there with a lady a couple three times, too, lol.