The Library Card

In "The Library Card" the author Richard Wright, one day came across an article catching his attention because of a harsh statement made about H.L Mencken. It made him wonder what he had done for him to be so harshly criticized, so he decided to take interest and check out a few of his books to learn more of this pitted man. However, since he was black it was not permitted for them to check out books. After having trouble on asking for a library card, a Pope let him borrow the card. With that taken care of, Wright made several trips to the library after having read the Mencken books. He not only learned a lot about the view on blacks through the books, he began to feel something different and he developed a passion for reading and learning about the world. Though he once tried to write, he failed but didn't give up his reading because he said he wanted to keep reading and feeling. Sadly, it was unknown what happened with this man's life but it was great that through these books he gained a lot of knowledge on the history of the blacks but helped him gain a different perspective towards the world. Wright chose to head South and surely he will seek a better life.


I absolutely found this piece fascinating. It made me feel bad because i can only imagine how terrible the experiences must have been for colored people during that era. It also makes me realize that sadly even though racism is supposed to be abolished in some places it is still present. The circumstances they were put through was awful and harsh i believe no one should ever have to face such treatment. Also, i was  impressed that Wright instead of following the crowd, he decided to read and learn about what was going on in the world. He took initiative and that simple move of getting a library card might have changed his life completely for the better. It makes me think and imagine all the possible things there are that we can do to progress in our lives and just like Wright it might begin with reading a book. I received a better understanding of what was dealt with during that time and i must say i am glad that i have not experienced a situation like him. This story was very interesting to me.