Good bookstores and good libraries have the world s best ideas under one roof. One might expect a higher class of casual conversation in a bookstore. It rarely happens, at least in my experience. There is too much noise from the books. Maybe we are a little embarrassed to be trying to talk in profundities with Shakespeare on the other side of the shelf.
Some libraries have the spirit of a good bookstore.
They treat reading not just as resource but as a hiking trip on a beautiful fall day. Great libraries can go beyond bookstores. I am thinking of one of my favorites, New York City Public Library the main branch on 5th Avenue. The building itself is a piece of art, and sitting down with a book at one of the oak reading tables makes you feel as if you are joining a silent movement, pledging not to get up until you can walk outside clearer about your purpose in life. Good bookstores and good libraries have the world s best ideas under one roof.