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ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý This is a shout-out for the angels and heroes of the book
world.  All who publish books know who
these bigger-than-life folks are.  They know who they are.  But can the reading public identify these Clark
Kents?  (Excuse the retro reference, but I
always liked his glasses and the nonchalant way he whipped them off.  I think his specs may be back in style.)




ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Just in case, here goes: 
these heroes and angels are the people in the independent bookstores
around the U.S., and the librarians in our public libraries and schools.  They are angels because they are champions of
the art of reading; they recommend, they guide, they educate without demanding.  Most do a heroic amount of heavy
lifting.  Witness the owners of independent
bookstores, who always have strong backs. 
They lug books into schools while ferrying the visiting author, they
even lug books to libraries, through many a dark and stormy night, or at the
very least through dinnertime…� they
don’t complain.  They often supply
delicious cookies.  










Arlene
Lynes, owner of Read Between the Lynes, 

Woodstock, Illinois.  (photo by
Jack Bechaud)


ÌýÌýÌý

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý The librarians read tirelessly.  They sift and sort.  They answer questions from all ages and with
great patience.  They take care of authors
and make libraries the hands-down heart of a school or a community.  Like the indie booksellers, they work
overtime. They change lives by supplying the just-right book at the just-right
time; they bear witness to the power of the written word. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Angels.  Heroes.  I am currently doing a great deal of travel
for Hold Fast, and am reminded, just
about daily, of how great these people really are.  They have wings and super-powers. 

ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý Don’t be fooled â€� they’re hiding in plain sight.