The library and the post office were once the most supported parts of federal government services in the United States. A fascist demagogue attacked USPS to attempt to keep a grip on the reigns of power. Religious fundamentalists and people against the free exchange of ideas have begun attacking librarians and libraries too.

But it wasn't always this way. If you love reading, you probably have strong positive feelings about the library. However, the modern existence of libraries isn't as you might remember from childhood.

During the pandemic, Amanda Oliver (@aelaineo) decided to get her complicated ideas about the library onto the page after a harrowing 6 years of experience in Washington DC's elementary school libraries and public libraries in DC that became day centers for houseless folks.

As a public educator, I really emphasized with Oliver's journey. The fall from the romantic vision of a profession before being smashed against the rocks of raw human need is rough. Libraries fill adults needs that are unmet by our government and society in the same way that schools fill children's unmet needs. Oliver's assertion that librarians are both first and second responders to crisis feels very close the way that teachers are "trained" to deal with active shooters and asked to carry weapons to kill their own students if they turn out to be active shooters.

I also saw the parallels between the internet's effect on libraries and its effect on schools.

Her conclusion built on the philosophy of stoics is also something that I have incorporated into my teaching mindset and health.

I highly recommend you read Overdue by Amanda Oliver.