I spent two decades traveling the world as an IT professional, so I hadn't been in an American library practically since I was a teenager (I'm 42 now). Any research I needed, I could find online.

But then my dad passed away recently and he was an avid reader and library patron all his life. He was an autodidact, always trying to cram more knowledge in his head. If he left the house, it was almost guaranteed it was to spend time studying some new topic at the library.

Going through his stuff after his funeral, I found stacks of books to return to the library, most of which he'd held onto years past their due date. I found out, though, that overdue fees have been abolished sometime in the past couple decades. The library didn't ask for any money when I returned them! They said it scared people away from borrowing books (and punished poor people), so they just stopped charging for late returns. Not just my local library; they said their whole network doesn't charge late fees anymore.

Speaking of their network, I found out that finding a particular book is super easy now. If my local library doesn't have it, they can look up where it exists in other libraries across America and "borrow" it for me. It'll be mailed to my local library, where it'll be held for me to pick up and check out. I no longer have to rely on just what's in stock at my local library.

I also discovered that the library is no longer just a place for books. There are movies, TV shows, and music to check out; there are dozens of computers with Internet access to use; there are classes held practically daily at my local library; and they're open late into the night so people can take shelter there if they can't go home for any reason. Lots of "teen parties" offered to give kids a safe space with adult supervision to hang out and receive some food, shelter, and professional resources if needed be. They also rent out space for any and all activities people want to host for the community.

When did libraries become so cool?! No wonder my dad practically lived there! I've now become a regular patron of my local library, donating toward their cause to ensure they don't get shut down.

If you haven't yet, at least get a library card. It justifies their continued existence. In a world where everything is becoming a subscription service, very few socialist programs that benefit the community for free instead of lining corporate pockets still exist. Can you imagine paying a monthly/annual subscription to the fire department to ensure they'll show up if your house is on fire? If that sounds insane, imagine if our government took away your access to free knowledge at the library!