Libraries for all are the gateways to equitable societies.

[riotheclown]

One of the great things about raising kids in Ottawa (and even small town Ontario) is that even if you are poor you have access to books. We had a television but to get more than one channel someone had to stand on the back of the couch holding up a metal clothes hanger attached to a wire attached to the back of the set. 
We read a lot.  I am happy to say that all three of my adult children read constantly.  I don't even think going to school is as important as learning to read and then to navigate a library index. This is something I have to thank my parents for too. I grew up seeing people reading. My father went to the library every Saturday and always picked out several novels. I liked picture books. Dr. Seuss was my favourite. I struggled to learn the rules and no other rule breaker could make me laugh the way he could.

I was a quiet kid but learned to love words. And my love of words started in the community library's children's section.