Reading is just a drug

“Some people read for instruction, which is praiseworthy, and some for pleasure, which is innocent, but not a few read from habit, & I suppose that is neither innocent nor praiseworthy. Of that lamentable company am I…Of course to read in this way is as reprehensible as doping, & I never cease to wonder at the impertinence of great readers who, because they are such, look down on the illiterate…Let us admit that reading with us is just a drug that we cannot do without – who of this band does not know the restlessness that attacks him when he has been severed from reading too long, the apprehension & irritability, & the sigh of relief which the sight of a printed page extracts from him?”

Somerset Maugham (The book-bag)

Save Our Libraries Day

Today is an important day for anybody who believed in the power of reading and knowledge through books in quiet libraries. Throughout UK, the British people are out protesting on Save Our Libraries Day today because 400 libraries are under threat of closure due to budget constraints.

Therefore with the support of many writers, the British citizens protested against this decision by taking part in mass-reads, author events and much more.

This is sad news for people because libraries provide a free source of countless knowledge. Parents, writers and children have all shown their displeasure towards such a ridiculous decision.

I think it not at all a positive sign for any society. Here we wish for more and libraries where people could acquire more knowledge; where children group up going through all the wonderful children's books. It is an experience and a lifestyle that should be promoted rather than closing down libraries. In modern age, we have well equipped libraries with computers and internet. I think this is one of the most stupidest things I have heard. Who the hell closes down libraries?What is so wrong with a decent institution and noble practice of reading? Or is it all a thing of the past?