I love libraries--a much belated response to a getting to know you meme

So ages ago, lilmoka posted this meme: Comment on this post with "I love libraries" and I’ll give you seven things I want you to talk about. They may make sense or they may be totally random. Then post that list to your journal with your commentary. Other people can get lists from you and the meme merrily perpetuates itself.

I responded and got my seven topics back, but somehow never managed to get around to actually answering them. Here they are at long last. Sorry it took me so long to respond. ( Warning--I can be a bit long winded when it comes to topics I'm passionate about. :D )