Readers, censors know, are defined by the books they read. - Alberto Manguel, The Library at Night

"Ultimately, the number of books always exceeds the space they are granted."

"There is a line of poetry, a sentence in a fable, a word in an essay, by which my existence is justified; find that line, and immortality is assured."

"In the dark, with the windows lit and the rows of books glittering, the library is a closed space, a universe of self-serving rules that pretend to replace or translate those of the shapeless universe beyond."

"Digestion of words as well; I often read aloud to myself in my writing corner in the library, where no one can hear me, for the sake of better savouring the text, so as to make it all the more mine."

"If justice takes place, there may be hope, even in the face of a seemingly capricious divinity."