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| From: Ancient Mother |
Would a public library ever have the imagination to do something like this for the children, instead of shelving hundreds of age-inappropriate books from ideologically-driven publishers who use schools and libraries to funnel their politics?
Would they have the courage to refocus on the historical mission of a library, which is to provide quality books to the community? So many public libraries nowadays have become "community centers" that focus on a plethora of craft activities and non-literary resources to try and remain relevant.
When our nation was a bit younger, the importance of literacy and books was illustrated by the Book Boat Women.
The Book Boat Women of the Mississippi 1904
— Sophia Proneikos (@Pergament_F) November 10, 2025
In 1904, when river towns along the Mississippi had little access to schools or libraries, a small group of women brought knowledge to the water. They were known as the Book Boat Women educators, widows, and dreamers who turned old… pic.twitter.com/UFyR80TSEH
What if a public library had the courage to fill their shelves with quality literature that uplifts and encourages the good and the beautiful? What if they had ongoing book clubs for children and adults instead of endless craft events? What if they actually promoted literacy? What if they became a resource for after-school tutoring in reading?
Books, the kind you can hold in your hand, the kind that have a certain fragrance that wafts up from the pages is not something that goes out of style or becomes obsolete. Physical books have been de-emphasized in favor of the digital. And humans are poorer for it. Their ability to concentrate has been markedly affected. Reading scores are in the dirt at many school districts. It's a big problem, and libraries can be a solution instead of part of the problem. A mom discusses it here. Her solution? A home library. She says, "I’m shocked by some of the books that my kids pick up. Books that go deeply against our family values. I want my children surrounded by books that lift their minds and challenge them to become better human beings - the most prominently displayed books at our library aren’t going to get them there."
While most of the article is behind a paywall, she gives some excellent insight into the problems in our public libraries.
If our libraries make actual books a priority, there is great good that can be accomplished for the community. As it is, the return on investment for the taxpayer is diminishing by the year.
The town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales is completely dedicated to books and has 26 bookshops but only 2000 residents. That’s one bookshop per 77 people.
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) February 15, 2026
[📹 happyenchantedhome]https://t.co/iydrtrDwrK