Knowledge should be accessible for everyone
To “live sensibly” (my life motto) means, among other things, searching for antidotes to modern living1.
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