I have always loved libraries (A gateway to a wide world – well-known bookworms on why they love libraries, Irish Independent, September 14). As an undergraduate in Belfast, I used to wander around the library watching other students studying. It was oddly motivational: if everyone else was working, I felt I probably should do a little myself.

Later, as a postgraduate at the University of London, I was given a study carrel – rather like a small confession box – where I could lock myself away with my books and get on with my work. Unfortunately, I eventually had to surrender it. I discovered that I enjoyed libraries so much that I kept falling asleep in it.

That, perhaps, says everything.

Libraries are among the few places left where nobody asks what you are buying, what you earn or what you are doing online. You can simply walk in, sit down and open a book. And what could be better than that?

In an age of algorithms constantly deciding what we should read, watch and think about, the public library quietly offers something rather more radical: choice. The shelves do not know your age, your income or your social status. They simply invite you to browse.

A library card is, in effect, a passport to somewhere else – and it is one of the few passports that is free.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh

US president Donald Trump has shown bottle by removing tariffs on Irish whiskey.

That’s the spirit.

Noel Kelly, Doonbeg, Co Clare

In the lead-up to President Trump’s visit, the leader of Sinn Féin called on our President, Catherine Connolly, to raise Gaza during her meeting with the American leader.

On two occasions previously, the Sinn Féin leader refused to attend the White House during St Patrick’s Day festivities, where she herself could raise such issues directly with President Trump. It seems Mary Lou McDonald prefers to get others to do her bidding for her.

While in Ireland, Mr Trump said that he would like to see a united Ireland. So here you have probably the most powerful person in the world calling for a united Ireland.

While the president is making such comments, what are Sinn Féin doing? Well, they’re out protesting President Trump’s visit.

Gerry McMunn, Dromard, Co Sligo