The library card is a passport to wonders and miracles, glimpses into other lives, religions, experiences, the hopes and dreams and strivings of ALL human beings, and it is this passport that opens our eyes and hearts to the world beyond our front doors, that is one of our best hopes against tyranny, xenophobia, hopelessness, despair, anarchy, and ignorance.
Libba BrayMay I suggest that you all read? And often. Believe me, it's nice to have something to talk about other than the weather and the Queen's health. Your mind is not a cage. It's a garden. And it requires cultivating.
Libba BrayThese are hard times. The world hurts. We live in fear and forget to walk with hope. But hope has not forgotten you. So ask it to dinner. It's probably hungry and would appreciate the invitation.
Libba BrayIn a world beyond this one, that river goes on singing sweetly, enchanting us with what we want to hear, shaping what we need to see in order to keep going. In those waters, all disappointments are forgotten, our mistakes forgiven. Gazing into them, we see a strong father. A loving mother. Warm rooms where we are sheltered, adored, wanted. And the uncertainty of our futures is nothing more than the fog of breath on a windowpane.
Libba BrayWhat did I do to make Mommy leave?โ โYou didnโt do anything. This isnโt your fault.โ โThen why?โ sheโd wailed. โI donโt know,โ her daddy had said, and he looked so sad. โIt isnโt fair!โ โNo, it isnโt, baby. Not by a mile. The worldโs only as fair as you can make it. Takes a lot of fight. A lot of fight. But if you stay in here, in your own little cave, thatโs one less fighter on the side of fair.
Libba Bray