Libraries have always been part of my life since I first started school and took out Black Beauty at the age of seven, against the librarian’s suggestion; she thought it was too advanced for me. I believe everyone should have access to libraries for research and pleasure, as well as education and study.

When I lived in America I was a member of The New York Society Library, the oldest cultural institution in the city. Founded in 1754 by the New York Society as a subscription library, during the time when New York was the capital of the United States, it was the de facto Library of Congress.