I saw a woman at the library using a public computer.

Her toddler slept beside her in a stroller.

She was filling out job applications, phone on one side, snacks on the other.

When closing time came, the librarian brought her bus vouchers and a list of childcare programs.

She said, “You just kept me from giving up.”

Some call libraries charity.

But they’re often the epitome of a functioning society.