This is where they are never turned away.

From the Chicago Tribune today: Kids find summertime haven in libraries, parents find day care

“Librarians … they are the hidden stars of our communities,” [University of Michigan education professor Susan] Neuman said. “Librarians act as substitute mother teachers. They have taken it upon themselves to fill this role. They are doing it and doing it well, even if it is not something they wanted to do.”

And from the  manager of the Austin branch library:

“When they tell their parents they’re at the library, it alleviates anxiety,” he said. “This is where they can get a cold drink of water. This is where they can use the restroom. This is where they are never turned away.”

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