Public libraries have always served as a welcome mat at the portal of American life. Voice of America reports that in Kansas City, newcomers to America are still reacting like I did when I first stumbled into the untold wealth of a library:
Claudia Visnich says immigrants are often surprised that the North-East Branch provides so many services for free. "They're surprised when we don't charge for a library card," Ms. Visnich says. "They're surprised when we don't charge for books, and they're surprised when we let them check out as many books as they want."In Asha Means Hope, I'm about to tap into a sweet memory and write the scene of a first-time visit to the NYPL's Flushing Branch. Now, back to work...