15 Heartwarming Times Libraries Gave People Much More Than Books

There are so few safe havens in life that it’s important to recognize and appreciate the ones we have!

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Public libraries have been around in the United States since the early 18th century. Since they use public funds to operate, any citizen can get a library card to borrow books, movies, and other media completely free of charge. But it’s not always the books that keep people coming back for more, it’s the sense of safety we feel as we step into the quiet world of literature and arts.

1. A librarian named David started a conversation on Twitter about how people seek out libraries when they need a safe place to go.

Tweet from David: Today a woman with developmental disabilities came into the library, and said she was lost. She didn't know her address, but her phone number was in her pocket on a piece of paper with Elmo on it. She kept saying,

Tweet from David: We called and her guardian came right over. Apparently this happens pretty regularly. They even stayed long enough for her to check out some new books and Sesame Street DVDs. The library is a safe place indeed. — Twitter

2. Soon, other Twitter users were adding their voices to those who love libraries.

Tweet by Enedelia Obregon: I grew up as a migrant farm worker, very poor (no indoor plumbing). Our third-grade teacher took us to our small town library. We got library cards. It opened up a world I didn’t know existed. It changed my life. I became the first in my extended family to earn a college degree. — Twitter

3. Everyone described a moment in their lives when they sought security within a library’s walls.

tweet by Paul Marks: During years of relentless bullying all through high school, the school librarian always used to offer shelter. Making up a list of imaginary jobs for me to do. I won’t ever forget Mrs Gamble ðŸ˜Š — Twitter

4. The library gives frightened people a place to run and hide.

Tweet by Sarah Hill: I was being followed and threatened by a girl from school when I was about 11/12. I went in the library as it was closing and told the first member of staff I saw. They locked the doors, made me a cuppa and then one of the librarians drove me home. — Twitter

5. It provides a quiet place to do homework and focus on scholarly activities without distraction.

Tweet by Compassionate Friend: What a heartwarming story.
I grew up in a violent and chaotic home. For me, the library was my quiet childhood place to get homework done and just read. I hold a special affinity for libraries everywhere. The library is indeed a safe place.
I am so glad that woman knows. — Twitter

6. People who came from other countries described the moment they learned that all of this incredible knowledge was now at their fingertips.

Tweet by StLuGal: I moved to the usa from India at age 7. The first time we went to the library I didn't even pay attention bc we had no money to buy books. Then I found out you can borrow them for free..changed my life. I read about women activists, Arabian nights, nancy drew...so many worlds! — Twitter

7. Books provided an escape for people who lived in troubled homes.

Tweet by Britt Rose: I grew up very neglected. I never left my house because no one bothered to take me anywhere. Once a week I’d bus to the library and take out a stack of books. I lost myself in them, which honestly is a big reason why I made it through my childhood. Libraries are a godsend. — Twitter

8. Libraries don’t discriminate. Everyone is welcomed, accommodated, and entitled to all they have to offer.

Tweet by Dessalines: There's a REASON homeless ppl flock to libraries when they have nowhere else on earth.I was one of them.The ONLY place that doesn't require money. Literal lifesavers. Cannot understate this. Libraries should get WAY more funding (from defense budget). They truly do God's work. — Twitter

9. The library often provided a stepping stone to a world of education they never dreamed was open to them.

Tweet by Dr. Dee Va, EdD: Saved me. My bro oldest of 8 watched us when Mom worked. He walked me to the library M-F. I had to stay til HE picked me up. My younger bros were allowed to run rampant. I cried. He said, ONE of us has to make it.I'm the 1st college grad in my fam. My hero died 9/2020 of COVID. — Twitter

10. People from all walks and phases of life find solace and security in the library.

Tweet by HarrietBe: My husband at 83, is suffering with deafness, dementia and deep depression. He asks to go to the library when he is feeling agitated. He stands in the stacks feeling safe and occupied there, surrounded by the books he can no longer understand. The librarians are friendly and kind — Twitter

11. And librarians are some of the coolest people on the planet!

Tweet by Karla with a K:My mom was a librarian. One day, while working in a back room, she heard a talk radio discussion advocating the banning of a few books. She was their next caller: I WOULDNT LET YOU CHOOSE WHAT FLAVOR ICE CREAM I BUY. WHY IN GOD’S NAME WOULD I LET YOU CHOOSE WHAT I READ? — Twitter

12. They know when to “look the other way” to help someone in trouble.

Tweet by Kathleen Winter: It was closing time in our community library. I told the librarian a bit of cardboard was keeping the back door ajar: did she want me to remove it? She said no, it was there so a youth whose home was chaotic could sleep overnight in the library. He never touched the petty cash. — Twitter

13. They take people seriously when they need help.

Tweet by Shoshana Kessock: I got chased once by this creeper when I was getting off the train from school in Brooklyn. I was petrified. The library was next to the train station and I ran in there. The librarian took me into her office to hide me, called security, kept me safe. — Twitter

14. It takes special people to run such a special place.

Tweet by lebe dein leben: When I was a young boy, the library was a safe place away from a dangerous home. I earned 75 cents weekly to sweep the two rooms; but, best of all, I got to pick over the damaged books and take anything I wanted. Thank you, librarians, you save lives and minds. — Twitter

15. There’s just no good reason to diss a library, ever!

Tweet by Erika: Library funding has a fantastic return on investment for a community - they fill up a lot of gaps in other social services and help people find their way to information about other opportunities.
And they’ve mostly avoided the stigma other public services suffer. — Twitter

Libraries deserve to be celebrated and preserved above all else! Did you know you can also access online books and audiobooks with your free library card? Ask your local librarian – they’ll know how.

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