There are days in the library when I understand, deep in my soul, that libraries are so much more than buildings filled with books. 

I spot the older gent who comes in to do the crossword in the newspaper and stays for a chat with Gerry Daly about local history, and it’s possibly the only conversation he has that day.

I love when the chess players get really intense in their games and it might be a 13 year old being schooled by a 70 year old, or the other way around.

Or when I help somebody to apply for a job or course and they pop back in afterwards to say they got it.

Libraries can change lives and yes, of course, my focus is on fostering a love of books, but this week I got another glimpse of how we help the community, through the kindness of strangers.

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