Why libraries matter: Reflections and a little Greek

Let me start at home. You know, raising two young kids in the digital age has its challenges. Years ago, I once caught my son trying to swipe on a paperback, like it was a tablet. I told him, “Buddy, if you want the page to turn, you have to use these things called fingers.” The library has been a lifesaver for us. It’s a place where my kids learned the joy of a story well told, and where they discovered that books don’t need batteries.

My daughter once told me that the library is “better than a candy store.” And honestly, when you consider there are no cavities and no sugar rush, I have to agree. The San Mateo Public Library has been with us every step of the way, from board books to chapter books, and now, for me, a Greek dictionary. More on that in a moment.

But the San Mateo Public Library, and every public library, is so much more than a building with books. It’s a community crossroads — a hub for lifelong learners, from beginner readers still working on The Very Hungry Caterpillar to folks picking up Tolstoy. Honestly, anyone reading War and Peace for fun deserves a medal, or at least a reserved parking spot.

Public libraries are essential for democracy and civic engagement. It’s the one place where no one tells you what you have to read, what you should think, or how you should vote. The only thing you’re forced to do is keep your voice down. (Which, let’s face it, is probably good for all of us.)

In an era where everything seems to be getting noisier, the library is a rare oasis of quiet reflection.

And the San Mateo Public Library does something even more profound: it welcomes everyone. No matter your age, your background, your reading level, or how many overdue books you have — they still let you in, and they still smile at you. That’s the best kind of inclusivity. That’s the promise of a democracy: everyone gets a seat at the table, or at least a chair by the periodicals.

Libraries embody the best of our democratic values. They’re run on the radical idea that everyone deserves access to knowledge, to education, and to the tools to make their lives better. No subscriptions, no fancy passwords, no secret handshakes — just a library card and a little curiosity.

Now, as promised, a bit on my latest library adventure. Recently, I started using the library to pick up a new language — modern Greek. Now, I didn’t just wake up one day and think, “You know what our world needs? More complicated alphabets.” The real reason is much more personal.

Not long ago, a dear friend of mine from college passed away suddenly. He was Greek-American, proud of his heritage, and every summer he’d visit Greece, always coming back with fun stories and amazing food recommendations. To honor his memory, I wanted to learn something new that would remind me of our great friendship — so I chose to study Greek. And, thanks to the San Mateo Public Library, I’ve found an enjoyable and meaningful way to keep my friend’s spirit alive and well. Every phrase I learn feels like a conversation with him.

I want to encourage everyone in our community — and please tell your neighbors, your kids, your grandparents, even your dog-walker — to use the library. It’s a civic treasure and a wellspring of knowledge and kindness in our community. The San Mateo Public Library is more than four walls filled with books; it is a living, breathing symbol of what we can do together.

To our libraries, we owe a big “thank you.” Or, as the Greeks would say —ευχαριστώ πολύ (efharistó polý) — thank you very much.

Dave Willard is a resident of San Mateo and works in the financial services industry.