Biblionef Donor Patricia Nicol on the Importance of the Library and Books

“Reading allows me to dream with my eyes open.” A quote by writer Abdelkader Benali that Patricia once heard. And it stuck with her. “I think everyone should have access to books so that they can dream with their eyes open.” Patricia became one of our regular donors this year and we are very happy about that.

Patricia Nicol is a great fan of the library. “It is an amazing place and very accessible. You can just walk in and grab a book off the shelves. You can read the book there or take it with you to read at home. I don’t necessarily need to own books. I enjoy being able to share them with others. I have been a member of the library for my whole life. Even when we lived in Sint Maarten for my husband’s work, our children visited the local library regularly.

Library Employee
Patricia worked at a library in North Holland for many years. “I started there as a volunteer when our children were small and went on to work as an employee from 1999 onwards. I took a two-year MBO course for library information staff. Unfortunately, that course no longer exists.”

She heard about Biblionef from a friend who was working at a university library. Patricia became an avid supporter as soon as she heard about Biblionef’s work. “And when I retired in 2021, I asked my colleagues to donate money for a good cause. For Biblionef.” The amount she raised then was her first donation to Biblionef.

Finding Silence
“Reading is so important, for various reasons. For example, because you cannot do anything else while reading a book. You need to find silence. I think that is very important in this day and age: taking time for yourself and allowing your thoughts to wander. You can gain so much knowledge from books in words and in images, for yourself and to share with others. “Of course the internet is fine too, but books can help you expand your knowledge in other ways.”

New Books
“The library I used to volunteer at, would donate second-hand books to primary schools in Suriname. These books had been written off and withdrawn from the library collection. The schools in Suriname were happy to receive the books, but I always wondered whether the books resonated with the readers’ experiences and whether they were interesting enough. I think it is great that Biblionef donates new books. Especially in areas where there are insufficient means to buy books.”

Reading is like Travelling
It is clear that Patricia enjoys reading. “Reading allows you to take time for yourself. The images that come up as you read allow you to take an entire journey. I wish everyone could enjoy books in this way.”

Patricia, thank you for your inspiring words and your financial support.

Help More Children Read Books
If you would also like to help more children have access to books and reading, please see the info on how to donate: Help More Children Read Books – Biblionef