And if you need further proof of just how important libraries are, consider that the largest school district in Texas is replacing a third of its libraries with “discipline centers.” Well-informed children who enjoy reading are a fascist’s worst nightmare.

@SketchesbyBoze Yes libraries are more than books BUT free access to physical books is still a vital service. Not everyone has access to the internet or digital readers and it is important to remember that and to highlight its necessity.

@RogueArtemis yes! I get queasy when certain people say 'libraries are more than just books,' because offering free books is such a marvellous thing in its own right

@SketchesbyBoze For a "Goosebumps/Oh, Whistle..." level infomercial it is good to have Otto Larssen (who?) and his Manuscript to explain the urgent need for paper books:

@SketchesbyBoze Libraries are a place of calm and peace for me. Love the silence while still being with people📚❤️

@SketchesbyBoze I go there regularly, as do my children.

@SketchesbyBoze Long live libraries!

@SketchesbyBoze Internet access for the unhoused looking for assistance. Help for the technologically-deficient when they need to use an online form or portal. Air conditioning when it's 120 degrees in the shade.

@SketchesbyBoze They also provide free internet access, which is increasingly CRITICAL to getting social services and transacting any kind of business -- especially if you also do not enjoy a long-term fixed mailing address.

@SketchesbyBoze I use the heck out of my local library's digital offerings, and I also go to the actual buildings for a quiet place to work/study. They also offer free use of computers as well as low-priced printing and faxing. And many public libraries have special archives/collections.

@SketchesbyBoze Nearly 97% of the population lives within the service area of one of America’s 9,057 public libraries. 60% of active library patrons report using library tech for school or work, 53% for reliable personal email access & 38% for health info.

@SketchesbyBoze I love my local library and I had to go to my mum's in a different city. First thing I did was try to check out a book and the library was closed down. Felt pretty crushed tbh.

@SketchesbyBoze @jenblanchette Would love to be able to ask the person who wrote that what/when was the last book they read

@SketchesbyBoze Also - Air Conditioning! It’s a place for all to literally chill out.

@SketchesbyBoze My local one runs knitting and craft groups. It's also the drop in food bank, internet hub for people with no internet, computer skills or printers, and a warm bank.

@SketchesbyBoze & they are very often interesting buildings in themselves–keep your libraries & treat them with some TLC–the upkeep & the landscaping as well. Our local library has an old jail cell from its days as a police station & when I was a kid they still had a cat–no longer permitted. 😾

@SketchesbyBoze @electricland I love the online databases that @KitchLibrary provides. The ability to look up news articles that are not available with regular web searches is amazing. I jokingly tell people that my sources are subscription only and then link them to KPL website.😎

@SketchesbyBoze I can’t work/focus at my home, ADHD issues. But I love to go to a library with headphone and get a few hours of uninterrupted work in. They’re wonderful

@SketchesbyBoze My library gets a lot of use. We take out a lot of DVDs there, I do check out books although I have a ton at home already, and I always see groups meeting and activities going on there. They have a lot of services.

@SketchesbyBoze We don’t know enough about digital reading.. screens and attention..and the absence of the tactile…. Reading is so much more than just reading