Affinity Quote by John Jakes
“I have always had a special affinity for libraries and librarians, for the most obvious reasons. I love books. (One of my first Jobs was shelving books at a branch of the Chicago Public Library.) Libraries are a pillar of any society. I believe our lack of attention to funding and caring for them properly in the United States has a direct bearing on problems of literacy, productivity, and our inability to compete in today's world. Libraries are everyman's free university.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public Radio interview, 2015, John Jakes discussing libraries
Libraries are essential cultural institutions; underfunding harms literacy, productivity, and national competitiveness.
In simple terms: Libraries support education and society; neglect hurts progress.
Advocate for stronger library funding and support.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy advocacy
- community fundraising
- school partnerships
- library board service
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can communities rally to protect library funding?
- What role do libraries play in economic development?
Funding constraints limit impact; political priorities may overlook libraries.