A book is a fragile creature, it suffers the wear of time, it fears rodents, the elements and clumsy hands. so the librarian protects the books not only against mankind but also against nature and devotes his life to this war with the forces of oblivion.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the delicate nature of books and the vulnerability they face over time. It highlights how books can be damaged by various factors such as time, rodents, the elements, and human mishandling. The quote suggests that librarians play a critical role in protecting books, not just from human threats like negligence and vandalism, but also from the ravages of nature. It implies that librarians dedicate their lives to the ongoing battle against oblivion, ensuring that knowledge and stories are preserved and passed on for future generations despite the forces of decay and forgetfulness.

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