If there’s one card I would feel the most loss for not having, it would be my library card.

Driving is a privilege, credit can easily get you into trouble, reward cards are just perks and my health card… okay I’m in Canada, I’d feel a huge loss at that one too.

Libraries used to be the epicenter of knowledge for civilizations. With the advent of the Internet, we’ve democratized knowledge to anybody who has access, even though knowledge doesn’t always seem to be the Internet’s primary purpose.

With my library card, I have access to endless books, a quiet place to read, newspapers, community events, mentorship from community members, access to the Internet and even 3D printers (in some locations). All for free/paying my municipal taxes.

I wouldn’t have read the fraction of books in my life, started my magic career (seriously – my first foray into magic was a book from the library), given my mom hours of peace when I was younger (she used to drop me off and I would sit in the stacks in read), have a place to go with my kids when I’m out of ideas and even do some writing.

During University, the library was the one place I could hide and rid myself of all distractions.

People in privileged positions who have the economic means to access whatever they want assume libraries are passe and no longer in use. Librarians, on the other hand, are innovating their approach to how they’re run to make them more inviting to all.

It’s a piece of our history because it held our history and like fine wines, they are getting better with age.

If you haven’t had a chance to visit your local one lately, perhaps it’s time to see what you’ve been missing.