Jorge Luis Borges – I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library

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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for February 1st.
You know, they say every day is a chance to learn something new, and I think today's holiday is the perfect reminder of that. It's Take Your Kid to the Library Day! Now, even if you don’t have kids—or maybe you are someone’s kid, technically—this day is a great excuse to celebrate libraries and the treasure troves of knowledge they hold.
And if your too busy to get to the library today... don't worry February is National Library Lovers Month.
Libraries are like the Swiss Army knives of the community: they’ve got books, internet access, educational programs, and sometimes even a surprisingly competitive board game section. They’re not just for kids, though today is a special nudge to bring younger generations into the fold and remind them that there’s a whole world beyond TikTok and YouTube. A world where stories are printed on paper and whispered between the shelves. Magical, isn’t it?
If you’re lucky, you’ve got a library nearby that still smells faintly of old books and possibility. And if you don’t? Well, maybe it's time to go find one.


Now, in honor of today, I’ve picked a quote that fits libraries perfectly. It’s from Jorge Luis Borges, who once said:
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."Let’s unpack that for a second. Borges, a master of literature and an undeniable bookworm, equates heaven—pure bliss—with a library. Why? Because libraries are more than just buildings. They’re gateways. They let you time travel, meet extraordinary characters, and explore every corner of the universe—all without leaving your chair.
When you think about it, Borges’ paradise is a place of infinite knowledge and imagination, and isn't that what we all strive for in one way or another? Maybe the real takeaway here is that paradise doesn’t have to be a far-off concept. It might just be a library card away.
So, today, whether you’re taking your kid to the library or rediscovering it yourself, let Borges’ words guide you. Step into a library and imagine that it’s a little slice of paradise here on Earth. Take a look around, breathe in the smell of books, and remind yourself how much power lies in the written word.
And who knows? Maybe that overdue library book you’ve been avoiding returning since 2013 will finally find its way back. No judgment here—just a little suggestion.
That’s it for today’s episode of The Daily Quote. Thank you for spending a few moments of your day with me. I’ll see you tomorrow for another inspiring quote and a reason to celebrate the little joys of life. Until then, keep imagining your paradise—and maybe pick up a good book while you’re at it.