How 2 cities have expanded library access to their residents

It's a tough time for the literary world (and world at large).

As Mr. Rogers said, though, if you look for the helpers during scary times, you will find them.

Here are two library stories to lift your spirits (we hope).

First, the New York Public Library system shared the results of its end to late fees with the New York Times.

Some books come back with handwritten apology notes; a few returned via forwarding, since the patrons had mailed them back to branches that have moved.

But most compelling, though, are the stats that show a dramatic increase in patrons — 9 percent to 15 percent, depending on the area — and the personal stories from some of them.

And second, while it's heartbreaking that so many people are unhoused, a longtime effort to connect them with reading material shows no signs of stopping.

Oregon Public Broadcasting checked in with Portland's mobile library, known as Street Books, and heard from both organizers and patrons on what this services means to them.

Related posts 

• The New York Public Library is done charging late fees

• Virginia librarian sets up book delivery by drone for her students