Cherish the public library

Knowledge should be accessible for everyone

To "live sensibly" (as per the theme of this Substack) means, among other things, searching for antidotes to modern living¹.

Live Sensibly

One of the easiest antidotes available to us: books. You can lose yourself in a beautifully crafted story or learn about something that interests you. But before you run to the bookstore, please consider joining your local public library².

I became a member of my local library two years ago because they opened at a new location in a beautiful old building that has been carefully restored. I felt so at peace just being there that I instantly decided to become a member. Not having to purchase every book I wanted to read was a nice bonus.

Utrecht library at the Neude (city center)

It's not just books you can borrow at your local library. You can read magazines, you can rent audio books and e-books. Furthermore, most of them organize activities, give computer access to people who don't have it at home, provide a safe space for people who don't have a home (during the day at least). They make knowledge accessible for everyone and I can't overstate how important I feel that is in our current day and age.

You should really cherish your local library because they are about preserving culture.

If you're not already a member, please consider becoming one. Even if you don't feel like making use of the membership, know that your money supports the existence of this important institution.

Happy reading!

Are you a member of the library?

1. Modern living is too much about the hustle, being productive, work, being online, producing content, being obsessed with being useful

2. https://www.bibliotheeknetwerk.nl/artikel/de-maatschappelijke-waarde-en-effecten-van-bibliotheken