it’s a really well done piece. the mirror and sink being so small and crowded with hygiene products; the hand on the wall behind the mirror, making the framing tighter still. it creates a wild sense of claustrophobia on the right side. the left side is slightly more open, but draws our eyes to the picture of the young boy smiling and all the symbolic relevance of that simpler life is contrasted by the claustrophobic present. the expression of the man isn’t necessarily bleak or emotional, just the day to day expression we all wear.

I think we’re used to “man I’m older” pieces explicitly spelling out the thoughts and emotions the artist has with the concept and without that, it’s hard to tell how the man feels about it. that with the framing of everything is what gives that empty discomfort - at least for me.

Libraries are safe spaces for minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. Books in general spread awareness and raise empathy and can also help struggling young people understand that they are not alone.

That quote isn’t saying people of these communities read or use a public library more than those who aren’t; it’s pointing out that the erasure of public safe spaces and resources affects groups that benefit from their existence more.

All of that doesn’t even mention the content that was likely present in those 500,000 books.