“Libraries raised me. I don’t believe in colleges and universities. I believe in libraries because most students don’t have any money. When I graduated from high school, it was during the Depression and we had no money. I couldn’t go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years.”

Simplified Meaning:

This quote is about the value of libraries and self-education. The speaker couldn’t afford to go to college because there wasn’t enough money during the Depression, a tough economic time in history. Instead of giving up on learning, the person decided to use the library as a resource. By visiting the library regularly for many years, they were able to educate themselves and gain knowledge without spending money on expensive tuition fees. Imagine someone today who wants to learn about computer programming but can’t afford college. They might go to the library, read books on the subject, use free online resources available there, and slowly become proficient through dedication and effort. The message here is that education and personal growth can be achieved in many ways, and libraries provide an accessible and powerful tool for those who seek knowledge, regardless of their financial situation. This approach underscores the importance of perseverance, resourcefulness, and the belief that learning doesn’t have to be limited to traditional institutions.