A good book is an empathy transplant. If we want intelligent adults, give our children books. If we want compassionate adults, give our children books. If we wish kids to resist hatred, then give them books to teach how kindness can be more powerful than hate.

Me: how much does it costs to borrow a thousand books a year from the library? Small boy: $500? Smaller girl: $1,000! Me: It’s free! Six hundred kids in the hall gasp, then cheer.

A library is: a. A place with lots of books b Free b A place where expert miracle workers order the books their community will love & always smile when they find new ways to share them c. A small, concentrated paradise where 2 year olds & 102 year olds are made joyful & welcomed