The library was the place I went to find out what there was to know. It was absolutely essential.

As far as I'm concerned, if you want to find out about the last day of WWII or the roots of the Indian Mutiny, get thee to a books catalogue.

Well-run libraries are filled with people because what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay.

Cambridge was a joy. Tediously. People reading books in a posh place. It was my fantasy. I loved it. I miss it still.

Your mid-thirties is a good time because you know a fair amount, you have some self-control.

People with children will know this: when the childcare is over, it's over on the dot. You immediately have to go into child mode; there's no down time.