A nice piece from writer Elizabeth McCracken (The Giant’s House; Thunderstruck & Other Stories; and most recently The Hero of this Book) on the great services and values our public libraries provide here in Austin and across Texas.
A library’s community shapes its mission. “We serve who comes through our doors,” says Danny Walker, the manager for the Terrazas Branch downtown. “Eighty percent of the people, at least, who come here are those experiencing homelessness or some type of challenge in their lives.” […] That is another resource that public libraries offer: respect for people who deserve respect but don’t always get it. […] The public library is the most democratic of public services. Nobody will ask you what you’re doing there. By being there, you belong.