When searching the library shelves for books and movies or stopping in to surf the net on one of the public computers does anyone really stop to think about how the library service was born? Today, most districts, cities and schools contain at least one public library and this can be taken for granted. What some do not realize is the role the library plays in equal opportunity education. The people who can not afford picture books for their children can check them out at the library or the people who can not afford college are given the opportunity to research scholarships. As Andrew Carnegie stated, "There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration." So, on your next visit to the library stand up taller and feel the pride rush through you that you live in a country where libraries are not few and far between.