A literate, educated society can accomplish much. They tend to lead others in innovation, application, and the arts.
One way to encourage literary and life-long learning is via a public library.
The buildings vary greatly. Think of a grand building guarded by lion statues. Or a smaller, yet elegant building in the city. But they also come as a portion of a civic center (sharing a roof with the mayor, police, or fire departments), or a storefront in a strip mall.
It’s the inside that matters. Shelves and shelves of books. Arranged by type (fiction or non-fiction) and age groups (children, teens, & adults). Don’t forget the newspapers and magazines. Computers serve a purpose for students of all ages. In most locations you show your library card (often free with proof of residence) and you have use for a specific amount of time.
Children (and parents) enjoy a story hour. What can be better than introducing a new idea in story or song or craft?
Curious about this computer stuff that didn’t exist when you were a student? Check for a class. Want to learn some local history? A craft? Discuss a book? Inquire at the desk – they may offer a class or host a book club.
Looking for a specific author or book? Ask a librarian. In many cases, they can ship books from another location or library system.
Scared? Forget the stereotype of librarian with gray hair in a bun and a frown when you speak above a whisper.
This grand building, in an older neighborhood of a city, holds modern ideas and a helpful staff.
Authors love libraries. If you look carefully, you may see one working at a table. Or browsing the shelves for research materials.