Why Libraries Matter - even today.

Check out the links below for people's thoughts on that most solid of institutions - the LIBRARY.  Get a grip on why libraries are still around even after 3,000 years, give or take a few .. and why they are still so important even in today's world (or maybe, especially in today's world?)

http://www.jackiefrench.com/why-libraries-matter

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/sep/24/palaces-for-the-people-at-the-library-everyone-is-welcome

https://www.readitforward.com/authors/13-reasons-why-libraries-are-important

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/15/neil-gaiman-future-libraries-reading-daydreaming

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/08/opinion/sunday/civil-society-library.html

The Future of Libraries and the Why of Daydreaming

Below is a website that has a talk by Neil Gaiman on the future of libraries, and the absolute need for reading, imagining and daydreaming.  

Although it is British based - it really is NO different anywhere else.  There are many salient points in the article - such as being able to work out how many people will end up in prison in the next 20 or so years.  It is done using a very simple algorithm which is based on the number of 11 year olds who can't read!  
Or why China is now finally allowing Sci-Fi conventions to happen there - or even why a book is like a shark!

I love Albert Einstein's answer when asked how we can make our children intelligent: "Read them fairy tales - if you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales."

This article is something that we all need to read - even if it is the only thing you read this weekend.  

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/15/neil-gaiman-future-libraries-reading-daydreaming?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Have an awesome weekend - and may the Force (of reading) be with you!