Would you join hands for your library?

In the midst of the unrest and demonstrations in Egypt, and the rallying for a democracy, an example of what the people of Egypt value highly was shown in a simple joining of hands around the Alexandrian Library. According to many reports, as the demonstrators came near the library Egyptian citizens of all ages joined hands and encircled the library. And the library's director, Ismail Serageldin says that in all the protests, not a stone was thrown at the library, and not a pane of glass was broken.

"This revolution in Egypt was a liberal revolution. People who believe in democracy and freedom of expression, in pluralism, and openness," he said. "And I'm proud and happy that the Library of Alexandria may have contributed in some small way to supporting the kinds of ideas that have found their expression in the young people who led this revolution."

Libraries are at the center of learning and provide knowledge openly and freely to all. That is the mission of libraries whether they are in Egypt or Santa Fe. Open libraries are a sign of a strong democracy.

by PCH @Main

Image of the ancient Library of Alexandria courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.