by Elinor Crosby, Head Editor, INALJ Nova Scotia
Authors Advocating for Libraries
“I see libraries and librarians as frontline soldiers in the war against illiteracy and the lack of imagination.” – Neil Gaiman
Who out there besides librarians, library staff, and patrons are advocating for libraries? Authors, that’s who. Many authors love libraries, grew up in libraries, and use libraries to do research for their books. Some of my favourite authors are staunch library and librarian allies, and are outspoken in both their love and support.
Two of my favourite author advocates are Neil Gaiman and Cory Doctorow. Doctorow is particularly invested in bringing more ebooks to libraries, and Gaiman is unabashed in his love for libraries and librarians. You can find many quotes from him to back this up, my favourite being “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers, a librarian can bring you back the right one.” He’s one of the author advocates on ilovelibraries.org and is joined by the likes of Judy Blume, David Baldacci, and more.
Check out these websites for more information and authorial library love!