1:00 p.m. [Click on image to see larger version]

Going to our library, which belongs to the Sno-Isle network, is a ritual in my household. We borrow and return books all the time. My wife is keen on novels, I go for the art books and my kids get a bag full of picture books and videos every three or four days.

I don't know what we would do this week if we lived in Seattle, where all the public libraries will be closed from today until Sept. 8 due to citywide budget cuts (more info on their website.) This afternoon I went by the main building downtown and saw quite a few people with looks of disappointment when they read the "Notice of closure" signs at the entrance.

I met Kathy Bjorn as she arrived to drop off some books and pick up a few more. A native Washingtonian, she just moved to Seattle from North Carolina and got her library card three days ago. When I explained about the closure due to budget cuts she was disappointed. "Why is it always something that is important that they have to cut?" she said.

To finish this post on a more positive note, my suggestion is to take a minute or two to admire the striking Rem Koolhaas building from outside while you can't get inside this week.