Libraries can be lifesavers…literally.

They’re safe spaces for people of all ages and refuges for folks who sometimes have no other place to go.

People took to Twitter to talk about how libraries affected their lives in positive ways.

1.

Rest in peace.

Saved me. My bro oldest of 8 watched us when Mom worked. He walked me to the library M-F. I had to stay til HE picked me up. My younger bros were allowed to run rampant. I cried. He said, ONE of us has to make it.I’m the 1st college grad in my fam. My hero died 9/2020 of COVID. pic.twitter.com/3riXw9gdkX

— Dr. Dee Va, EdD (@just1deeva) March 5, 2022

2.

Mom knows best.

My mom was a librarian. One day, while working in a back room, she heard a talk radio discussion advocating the banning of a few books. She was their next caller: I WOULDNT LET YOU CHOOSE WHAT FLAVOR ICE CREAM I BUY. WHY IN GOD’S NAME WOULD I LET YOU CHOOSE WHAT I READ? #library

— Karla with a K (@kmk1072) March 5, 2022

3.

Doing God’s work.

There’s a REASON homeless ppl flock to libraries when they have nowhere else on earth.I was one of them.The ONLY place that doesn’t require money. Literal lifesavers. Cannot understate this. Libraries should get WAY more funding (from defense budget). They truly do God’s work.

— Dessalines – (FB censorship brought me here) (@BlackShiaCommie) March 5, 2022

4.

More proof!

I grew up very neglected. I never left my house because no one bothered to take me anywhere. Once a week I’d bus to the library and take out a stack of books. I lost myself in them, which honestly is a big reason why I made it through my childhood. Libraries are a godsend.

— 🌻🏳️‍🌈Britt Rose🏳️‍🌈🌻 (@INeedADamnNap) March 5, 2022

5.

This is wholesome and sad.

My husband at 83, is suffering with deafness, dementia and deep depression. He asks to go to the library when he is feeling agitated. He stands in the stacks feeling safe and occupied there, surrounded by the books he can no longer understand. The librarians are friendly and kind

— HarrietBe (@21harmony) March 5, 2022

6.

A safe place.

When I was a young boy, the library was a safe place away from a dangerous home. I earned 75 cents weekly to sweep the two rooms; but, best of all, I got to pick over the damaged books and take anything I wanted. Thank you, librarians, you save lives and minds.

— Lebe dein Leben 🇺🇸🇩🇪🇲🇫🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@NENaturist) March 5, 2022

7.

Helping out kids.

I got chased once by this creeper when I was getting off the train from school in Brooklyn. I was petrified. The library was next to the train station and I ran in there. The librarian took me into her office to hide me, called security, kept me safe.

— Shoshana Kessock 🌻 (@ShoshanaKessock) March 5, 2022

8.

You know it!

I moved to the usa from India at age 7. The first time we went to the library I didn’t even pay attention bc we had no money to buy books. Then I found out you can borrow them for free..changed my life. I read about women activists, Arabian nights, nancy drew…so many worlds!

— StLuGal (@StLuGal) March 5, 2022

9.

Still holds a special place.

What a heartwarming story.
I grew up in a violent and chaotic home. For me, the library was my quiet childhood place to get homework done and just read. I hold a special affinity for libraries everywhere. The library is indeed a safe place.
I am so glad that woman knows.

— Compassionate Friend (@Amigo2Todos) March 5, 2022

10.

This is great.

The library offered my teenaged self a way to escape an abusive home. Reading saved my soul.

I’ve been a librarian for 23 years. I know what libraries mean, and it’s been my privilege and honor to be the caretaker of knowledge & joy. ❤️ you all.#LibrariesEmpower #libraries

— 🌊Dennise🌊 this ain’t no dress rehearsal (@postzoo) March 5, 2022