In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times

In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times

Librarians stand at the forefront of history and events, responding to the relentless pace of news and transformation that grows faster each day. Without libraries, my creative work would not exist at all.

There’s an old photograph of me, not yet a year old, dressed in a blue sailor suit with a red ribbon tied around my neck, gazing intently at a picture book. I wasn’t reading yet—that came closer to age three—but the passion had already taken root. Reading quickly became my greatest joy, surpassing music practice, schoolwork, sports, and chores.

Books surrounded me as I grew up, a privilege I’ve never taken for granted. They filled every corner of our home because both my parents and older brother were devoted readers as well. My great-uncle’s expansive house was lined with books from floor to ceiling; he had spent years as a sales representative for Harper & Row, long before it merged into HarperCollins—now, by coincidence, my own publisher. The homes of my grandparents, too, overflowed with stories and words.

Still, trips to the library were truly special. From the elementary school shelves to the high school stacks, librarians offered something rare: they remembered what books had meant to them as children and shared that joy with every young visitor.

Librarians are on the front lines of history and current events, when news and change arrive at a furious clip that only quickens every day.
Author’s Summary

Librarians preserve the heart of culture and learning, guiding each generation toward discovery even amid the constant rush of change.

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Literary Hub Literary Hub — 2025-11-04

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