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Immigrants use the library often. A lot of them don't have access to books and Internet at home. They seem so disconnected to the city.

I grew up in a home where reading was a big deal.

The library helps lower- and middle-income people - immigrants - get their shot at the American dream.

Reading is an act of civilization; it's one of the greatest acts of civilization because it takes the free raw material of the mind and builds castles of possibilities.

It's true that immigrant novels have to do with people going from one country to another, but there isn't a single novel that doesn't travel from one place to another, emotionally or locally.

Reading builds the educated and informed electorate so vital to our democracy.

The popular story is that America was built by immigrants and that, therefore, everything about immigration is good and leads to a more successful society. This narrative is so devoid of historical context that it should embarrass anyone beyond a second-grade education.

The American story is a story of immigration. I would be the last person who would say immigrants are not important to America.

Reading is as much a part of life as any part, and it's life itself. And it allows us to live other lives that we might not have lived if we hadn't picked up those books.

Reading is a huge part of life.