Recently I took a train trip from Chicago to Glenwood Springs. I sprung for a roomette with a fold out bunk bed for the night. (And sleeping on a train was just as much fun as I hoped it would be!) As I left Chicago, there was a winter storm coming. But the train just shrugged that weather aside.

During the over thousand mile trip, Amtrak passed right through the heart of many downtowns. I caught a glimpse of many libraries. That’s not surprising, since there are more than 16,000 public libraries across the nation–more than there are McDonald’s or Starbucks. Isn’t that good news?

In almost every town across the Great Plains, there are those earmarks of place. A library. A Post Office. A school. A town hall. These spaces represent something we don’t think about too often: a public investment in knowledge and civic participation. These are the pillars upon which our nation stands.

As I sat in my little room and watched the miles fly by, I also listened to an audiobook (Baldacci’s “The Hit,” which I highly recommend, although it’s second in the Robie series). In that cozy space, I remembered all the time I have spent in libraries throughout my life. They have always welcomed me. They have always provided friendly and expert service. They have always given me a little room to read and think and appreciate the contributions of others.

Too, trains, like libraries, offer the opportunity to talk with others. On a train you head to the diner car. In libraries you head to a service desk or a program.

As we wrap up another staggeringly successful year at the Garfield County Public Library District, we wish you all the same moments of repose and gratitude. May you all find good books and the warm conversation of loved ones.

And man, Glenwood Canyon on a train, with the snow just wafting through the air, is definitely worth the trip. We are surrounded by beauty.

Jamie LaRue is Executive Director of the Garfield County Public Library District. His opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Library Board of Trustees. Please email comments to jlarue@gcpld.org.