I dare anyone to read Fahrenheit 451 and not get chills. Although it was written more than 50 years ago it only seems to get more and more relevant.
Bradbury describes a society that has become more connected through media but disconnected from each other: people are glued to their wall screens (flat screen televisions) and never without their Seashells (earbuds) firmly in place.
This novel is the perfect description of the horrors of censorship and the effects of mass media (which technology has so kindly allowed us to insert into every moment of our lives).
So in honor of Ray Bradbury’s birthday this month (August 22nd) turn off the TVs and the iPods and pick up a book (e-books are just fine too- I firmly believe it’s the reading that’s important not the method of delivery).
As if I didn’t have enough reasons to love this guy here is one of his quotes about libraries:
Libraries raised me. I don’t believe in colleges and universities. I believe in libraries because most students don’t have any money. When I graduated from high school, it was during the Depression and we had no money. I couldn’t go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years.
You can find plenty of wonderful books to read at the Orland Free Library.
Posted by Jody Meza, City Librarian