In an age of greed and selfishness, the public library stands as an enduring monument to the values of cooperation and sharing. In an age where global corporations stride the earth, public libraries remains firmly rooted in local communities. In an age of widespread cynicism and distrust of government, the tax-supported public library has widespread, enthusiastic support.
Yes Magazine, devoted to offering solutions to world problems

The County of Los Angeles Public Library network is my favorite. I tell everyone about it, and I have yet to meet someone who already knows how far its wonderfulness extends.
90% of Americans believe that the closing of a library is a tragedy for their entire community: The Pew Research Center
To begin with, no one already knows that any Californian can get a Los Angeles County Library card.
Public libraries are as American as it gets. (Prepare for a lot of exclamation points)

1. They’re free! To everyone! Regardless of age, gender, income, education, or race!
2. They respect our privacy. Librarians continually fight to keep it that way.
3. Since they started in the 1800s, they’ve promoted literacy for all. They began by defying the complaints of religious officials to stay open on Sundays. Then, in the 1930s, passionate librarians selflessly delivered books on horseback! These days, the Los Angeles library system gladly mails books – free shipping! – to Angelinos to whom getting to the library is a hardship.
4. The resources they offer to business owners and job seekers makes them essential to economic recovery.
Libraries epitomize cooperation!

The Los Angeles County system shares the resources of 68 libraries. From the comfort of home, Angelinos may order materials from any location to be sent to any other L.A. library for free! See #3 above about having books mailed to you.

Libraries for Real Life reports that 68% of Americans have library cards. 75% use them.
They offer way more than mere books, CDs, and DVDs.
Los Angeles offers free virtual classes – tons of them – many that feature real teachers! Subjects run from vocational to fun. Kids can get help with homework, too!
They have downloadable audio books, e-books, music, and movies!

Libraries often host fun events. All ages can enjoy music, crafts, reading, and life skill workshops. Sometimes they offer fragrant cooking classes and hand out tasty snacks! They’re havens from the weather, loneliness, noise, and they offer meeting spaces for groups and tutors.
They have free wifi, plus lots of computers and printers. Photocopying is available for a nominal cost.
And there’s more! Another reason you have to check them out for yourself.

Almost every single L.A. library is free. Tragically, Cerritos Library charges a yearly fee. As far as I know, they’re the only one, which is one too many.
What a refreshing bit you are sharing! I spent much of the morning myself today at Waverly Library in New South Wales, Sydney Australia with a Russian woman who is working to improve her English-language speaking skills and she calls me her teacher. She marveled about how wonderful the libraries are here and in Russia. St Petersberg has the largest in the world. But, she didn’t have the research done in such a thoughtful way as you have done here, Daal. Thanks for that!
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You’re too sweet! Interesting about libraries in Russia – I wonder if theirs also have free online classes, free postal service to those who need it, etc. Would love to hear about libraries in Australia if you have time to share.
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In addition, perhaps your Russian student would like to guest post about Russian libraries? An opportunity for her to flex her English?
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Loved the last line! By the way amazing work and effort!
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Hi again! Would you be interested in composing a short guest post on something to do with literature for my blog?
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How? I am what’s a guest post. I mean i don’t know I am sorry 😦
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No worries. Perhaps something to consider for the future? It would be easy, less than 300 words, & wouldn’t require research.
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Alright! I’ll do it just give me a little time to think what would I write.
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Libraries are wonderful places. Here’s something for 2011 … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw3zNNO5gX0
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You make a lot of excellent points. I think it’s hard to argue with the ethos of public libraries. Learning should be available to everybody.
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Hi again, Bun! Would you be interested in composing a short guest post on something to do with writing or travel for my blog? (or pets or dance or libraries or public speaking, tho I didn’t see those subjects on yours)
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Thanks, Daal. I’m flattered to be asked. Sadly, I think I may have to pass on it, at least for a while. I’m being kept pretty busy at work at the moment and so I always seem to be running behind with my blogging. Perhaps at some point in the future if things quieten down a bit. Thank you again for asking, though.
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Hi Bun – thanks for agreeing to keep it in mind. When you’re ready, please let me know. Good luck with your projects.
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Thanks! 🙂
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My partner is a Librarian in England, and you are now her favourite person on the internet. Congratulations!
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That makes me so happy! That gives me more motivation to finally post the speech I gave on libraries for ToastMasters. Hopefully viewers will be indulgent 🙂
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Hi again, Ben – would your partner &/or you be interested in composing a short guest post on libraries in England?
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Yes, that would be great – we’ll be in touch by e-mail soon!
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