One function of the librarian, as he saw it, was to blunt…
“One function of the librarian, as he saw it, was to blunt the edge of these differences and to provide a means whereby the rich and poor could live happily side by side. The public library was a great leveler, supplying a literature by which the ordinary man could experience some of the pleasures of the rich, and providing a common ground where employer and employee could meet on equal terms.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Libraries level social differences, offering shared cultural access and equal footing for all.
In simple terms: Libraries equalize society.
Key Takeaway
Support public libraries.
Themes
equality
education
community
Mood
optimistic
inspirational
Type
Blunt:0
Books:1
Common:1
Common ground:1
Democracy:1
Differences:0
Edges:0
Employee:0
Employers:0
Equal:1
Function:0
Librarian:1
Library:1
Literature:1
Mean:0
Men:0
Ordinary:1
Ordinary man:1
Pleasure:0
Poor:1
Providing:0
Public library:1
Rich:1
Rich and poor:1
Saws:0
Side by side:1
Sides:0
Term:0
Writer:0
Library Great:0
Function Librarian:0
Librarian Saw:0
When to use this quote
- school projects
- community events
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
social equity
literature access
Questions to Reflect On
- How can libraries stay vital?
- What barriers limit access?
A Different Perspective
Libraries need funding and relevance.