From a story on lithub.com by Ilan Stavans headlined “American Literature Is a History of the Nation’s Libraries”:
The history of American literature is the history of the nation’s libraries. These have changed over time, from mere depositories of books meant for circulation where patrons, driven by taste and curiosity, replenish their intellectual needs, to sites where an assortment of community services are offered, especially for the disenfranchised. They offer internet services, English-language classes for immigrants, children’s activities, job-hunting tools, and even Yoga.
