“. . . that promise of democratic access to knowledge which libraries stand for is beautiful.”

“I hope they know how grateful we readers and writers are for the work they do. I spent my childhood immersed in books, many of which were recommended to me by my school librarian or borrowed from libraries, and I hope that all children can be lucky as I was.”

“Most of the major eras of my life are defined, some way or other, by a library.”

“Your role as the keepers and custodians of knowledge and story is sacred, and your role in our cultural vital—don’t let anyone ever make you doubt that.”

“Right now, in a library in this country, there is a child whose world is being transformed by the book she is reading. That child is laughing, or crying, or understanding herself in a new way––and that is thanks to the dedication and love of all those who have given their lives to our precious libraries.”

“My fondest memory of the library is going to New Jersey’s Woodbridge Public Library—the main library. I loved everything about it. I loved the look of the building—a massive 70s-era modernist building. I loved that bridge that arcs over the entrance. If you went under it, you went to the children’s section. If you crossed over it, you were on the adult floors—which is where my two older sisters went, so of course I wanted to tag along. It all felt so epic.”

“In truth, I can’t recall receiving any one specific book recommendation in particular, but I can recall countless times being humbled and inspired by the generosity, patience and kindness demonstrated by librarians serving patrons from every demographic of the population.”

A Q&A with The Manuscripts Club Author Christopher de Hamel.