“Dulcie always found a public library a little upsetting, for one saw so many odd people there.”

“In fact, of course, there is no secret knowledge; no one knows anything that can't be found on a shelf in the public library.”

“As it is she will probably turn out to be one of these acid-faced virgins that sit behind little desks in public libraries and stamp dates in books.”

“The odd thing about people who had many books was how they always wanted more.”

“It is a great tool of dictators and tyrants, who want to get masses of people to do what they want, to make sure there are no libraries...The fact that there was no public library in Rwanda is one reason why genocide was possible.”

“If Nicholas be not always found to be blameless or agreeable, he is not always intended to appear so. He is a young man of an impetuous temper and of little or no experience; and I saw no reason why such a hero should be lifted out of nature.”