In today’s world, trust is a precious and sometimes fleeting thing. We're constantly being urged to “trust” in public figures based on big promises and catchy rhetoric. But, as I was reminded recently, there are institutions—quiet yet powerful—where trust is built not on words but on decades of reliable actions. Libraries are among these places, and in a world of grandstanding and spin, they offer us a timeless lesson on what genuine trust looks like.

During the Gerringong Museum’s 150th-anniversary celebration, I had the privilege of speaking with Caroline Baum, celebrated author, journalist, and passionate library advocate. I asked her to choose a book on the spot for our photo shoot—a tough task with only a few seconds to decide! She quickly selected The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre, an intriguing choice that hints at her interest in themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of trust. It’s hard not to wonder what she might have chosen with a little more time to think about it.

In her talk, Caroline delved into the ways libraries and librarians cultivate trust, not with rhetoric or promises, but by being steadfast pillars of knowledge and privacy. Libraries don’t need to ask for our trust—they earn it. They stand firm against censorship, advocate for open access to information, and create inclusive spaces for all. In these spaces, the kind of trust we yearn for in other areas of public life is built quietly and authentically, with actions that speak louder than any slogan ever could.

Caroline highlighted a powerful contrast. While politicians often ask the public to “trust” them without necessarily backing it up, libraries have spent generations proving their commitment to the communities they serve. In a world where we often feel let down by once-trusted institutions, libraries remind us that true trustworthiness is about showing up, day after day, to serve the public without fanfare.

For readers of The Bugle, Caroline’s insights offer a timely reminder. If we’re looking to place our trust in public figures, let’s seek out those who, like our libraries, consistently “walk the talk.” The lesson from libraries is clear: the most trustworthy institutions aren’t the ones that ask for trust; they’re the ones that quietly earn it, every day.

Next time you step into your local library, consider the values it upholds. And perhaps, take a moment to think about which book you’d choose in just a few seconds—you might be surprised at the insight it brings.