And on the subject of burning books: I want to congratulate librarians, not famous for their physical strength or their powerful political connections or their great wealth, who, all over this country, have staunchly resisted anti-democratic bullies who have tried to remove certain books from their shelves, and have refused to reveal to thought police the names of persons who have checked out those titles.So the America I loved still exists, if not in the White House or the Supreme Court or the Senate or the House of Representatives or the media. The America I love still exists at the front desks of our public libraries.
Kurt Vonnegut applauds librarians for their commitment to defending democracy by resisting efforts to ban books. He highlights that these individuals, who may lack physical strength or political power, play a crucial role in protecting intellectual freedom. By refusing to disclose the identities of those who borrow controversial books, librarians uphold the values of free thought and expression in society.
Vonnegut reflects on the essence of America, suggesting that it is not found in the highest institutions of power, like the White House or Congress, but rather in the everyday actions of librarians who serve the community. He believes that the true spirit of America persists in these public spaces, where access to information and diverse ideas remains vital.
![The art of not reading is a very important one. [...] You should remember that he who writes for fools always finds a large public. – A precondition for reading good books is not reading bad ones: For life is short.](https://img.quotesweet.com/quotes/thumb/the-art-of-not-reading-is-a-very-important-one-y-ou-should-remember.webp)