We all know that America's best idea (ever) was the National Park-- after all, who can argue with the great Ken Burns? I like parks for a multitude of reasons: being outside, indulging in a forest, spending time away from cities and 'burbs, and knowing the land you're on will be safeguarded for as long as humans beings are still semi-decent inhabitants of the continent.
But America's second most awesome institution is undoubtedly the public library. I'm sitting in one right now. The Broome County Public Library is busy and flourishing on a Monday at 2:30. Is this where all of the interesting un(der)employed people go during the day while everyone else is doing bullshit work in a cubicle? I can get used to this whole (f)unemployment thing. The best part of libraries isn't the books--oh no-- it is the shelves of cool indie films, global music and nerdy audio books.
Libraries are great equalizers. Folks come here for different reasons. Nerdy people like myself lavish in all of the interesting ideas and words at our disposal. Those without access to the internet can use the computers here, for free, and gain knowledge. I feel safe in the library. It is warm. People are considerate. Everything is complimentary. Public libraries are indicators of a free society. Its just too bad (most) of use have completely ignored or underutilized this treasure. So be it.
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