I joined the library.  

Well, re-joined as I used to be a member years ago.  

The same library that allowed children to borrow two books at a time, one fiction, one non fiction.  

The same library in which I used to meet my best friend from school who had a Saturday job there and where she eventually worked as a proper librarian.

It seemed much bigger then.  And darker.

Now I can borrow twenty books at a time.

Now I can eavesdrop on other library users' conversations.

User 1:  Where did you sleep last night?

User 2:  Salvation Army.

User 1:  Oh,  I don't like it there. Pause.  What time do you think they bring the tea and biscuits round in here?