Editor’s Note: This article previously appeared in a different format as part of The Atlantic’s Notes section, retired in 2021. The public library system in Brownsville, Texas, has a long history of ...

Every public library is an exception. The world outside is costly and cordoned off, but here no one is charged, and no one is turned away. People browse for books and go online. They learn English, ...

If libraries didn't already exist, our current political system would never allow us to build them. The concept it too revolutionary: All of the knowledge and entertainment of humanity made available, ...

The decibel level is climbing as some 20 preschoolers sprawl out on an alphabet-pattern carpet for story hour. One toddler, who's new to the group, is having a bit of a meltdown, so Otter Bowman, a ...

Since its dedication 100 years ago, Los Angeles Central Library has survived demolition threats, major arson fires and earthquakes. This week, the historic site’s halls will come alive as it ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. The story of Alexandria is a myth—in fact a collection of myths and legends, sometimes competing with each other—to which the ...

An ornate pencil drawing of a dragon; a floral postcard congratulating a 40th birthday, never mailed; a silver crochet hook. All of these items share a connection: They were left behind in books ...

Curiosity is Susan Orlean’s superpower. Hundreds of L.A. firefighters fought the devastating fire.at downtown’s Central Library on April 29, 1986. Thousands of people contributed to the Save the Books ...