Many thoughts today after what has happened in Paris. But, I must also think about why the Paris incident captures our attention, while even worse atrocities continue to take place elsewhere with sometimes little notice. And really, I shouldn’t try to label any of these as which is worse. They’re all terrible.

So are the crises that take place on a lesser scale, and closer to home: storms, fires, abuse, the list could go on and on.

While you think about and respond in your own way, I urge those of you who work in libraries to think about how your library will respond to crises, whether local or international. Whether sponsoring sessions where people of different backgrounds and religions talk about stereotypes and living peaceably together, or offering services for the homeless in your community, seriously consider the role of your library in times of trouble.