Essential!!

Today I met some family in Philadelphia and we did the tourist thing. It's been some time since I've visited Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Carpenter Hall and all those places where the documents that frame our freedoms were written. As our very knowledgeable and spirited National Parks Service docent spoke of the birth of our Nation, I found myself thinking of all those reasons libraries are so very integral to a free society. We are not just buildings to house documents. We are a cornerstone of a thinking, breathing society. We provide the resources that inspire an informed people. We provide the forum for the exchange of ideas. We offer access to ideas that people can agree or disagree with, not just in print but in multiple formats to appeal to all. And, we are able to do that and so much more, because we are guaranteed those rights but the foresight of our founding fathers.
I was reminded again of why I entered this profession, and why I am so passionate about what libraries are and can be--essential!!