Blacklock's Reporter

University of Alberta researchers in a 2012 project asked public library users in Edmonton, “Why are you here?” Responses varied. “Homework,” said one; “Homeless,” said another; “To read Hemingway”; “To nap”; “To browse, play chess, make friends”; “Because I’m a bookworm with no money.” Most of us discover libraries as children, and return to them as parents. All of us feel smaller when local libraries close.