As we approached the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I began to wonder what influenced those who wrote our nation’s founding document, so naturally, I turned to the Library.
I discovered The Pursuit of Happiness by Jeffrey Rosen, which offered a new perspective on what was meant by that phrase. I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t referring to pleasure or material comfort, but to both our right and our responsibility to pursue self-improvement, lifelong learning, and the cultivation of virtue. To our founders, the pursuit of happiness meant having the opportunity to become your best self and to contribute as a more engaged, informed, and connected citizen.
As I reflected on this, I saw a clear connection between this ideal and the work of public libraries today.
Public libraries offer free and open access to knowledge, ideas, and experiences that expand understanding and encourage learning. Whether someone is exploring a new idea, building a skill, or seeking reliable information, libraries support the kind of growth our founders envisioned. In doing so, they also play an important role in a healthy democracy by helping people stay informed and engaged in their communities.
As we mark this anniversary, I’m reminded how much the vision set forth 250 years ago in the Declaration of Independence is supported by institutions that expand knowledge and foster personal growth. The Glenview Public Library is proud to help carry that work forward, making it possible for each person to learn, grow, and pursue a deep and meaningful kind of happiness.
Lindsey Dorfman, Library Director