First Library of the People Marks 150 Busy Years

Britain's first public lending library opened in Manchester 150 years ago this month, an event so significant for literacy and democracy that Dickens felt compelled to make the trip north.

"[This is an institution] knowing no sect, no party and no distinction; nothing but the public want and the public good," he said in a speech at the formal inauguration.

One may argue that we have so much to do in our everyday lives, why "brood over the tragic aspects of the human condition, public want and the public good?" But the moment of such contemplation may turn out to be much more pragmatic and save thousands years of senseless suffering.

Like library network, Victory Over Want (VOW) connects people who are exploring new ways of thinking and new ways of being. Based in Vienna, it is an evolving learning community with members in several countries.

As Dr James Cumes, the initiator of VOW rightly points out, 'People who taste real vision are the luckiest and happiest people in the world.'

If you feel you would like to make sure your voice stops poverty and bullets please consider checking out VOW. It virtually is only a click away.

Guardians of Liberty
The Library Refuge

VOW to Generate Opportunities