"A library in the middle of a community is a cross between an emergency exit, a life-raft and a festival. They are cathedrals of the mind; hospitals of the soul; theme parks of the imagination. On a cold, rainy island, they are the only sheltered public spaces where you are not a consumer, but a citizen instead. A human with a brain and a heart and a desire to be uplifted, rather than a customer with a credit card and an inchoate “need” for “stuff”.
A mall – the shops – are places where your money makes the wealthier wealthy. But a library is where the wealthy’s taxes pay for you to become a little more extraordinary instead. A satisfying reversal. A balancing of the power."
Library closures - a view from Caitlin Moran
Taken by Chris Floyd:
Now, aside from seeing my favourite people and places in 2D I have to say I don't really understand photography; I've seen too many alt-feet and flowers to curb the cynicism. But I definitely understand and enjoy it much more when I get to know what an artist thinks/is thinking when said pretty pictures are being made and his thinking's pretty lovely.