Maybe those books were brought in by others in the community, or maybe the people who work at the center did. To me, it felt like those books were tucked away for whoever needed them, and I especially think that’s true given the fire.

For one reason or another, someone chose to give up those beautiful books, and I have cherished them since. As far as their future, I will haunt whoever gets rid of them upon my death. And I will never, ever let them live that decision down.