John Launer: The library, my treasure island

For one day last month I was stranded in a small Welsh town. My car and computer both needed essential repairs, and the weather was unsuitable for the long country walk I’d planned. I had to find a way of filling the day, equipped with only my wits and a mobile phone. After breakfast in the high street I made my way to the public library in a converted 16th century county hall. To my surprise, I had one of my most relaxing and pleasant days for quite a while.Apart from exceptionally friendly staff, there were armchairs close to warm radiators, free use of computer stations and wi-fi, and even free coffee and tea. And, of course, there were the books. I can’t remember when I last spent most of the day in a library. I certainly did so while I was at school, especially during holidays, when the local…
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