Bigots marched outside the library, spewing hatred with shouts, signs. They burned books. Demanded that other titles be banned. That countless voices be silenced.
All under the protection of federal law.
And under the gaze of marble lions.
That night, the protesters screamed even louder—for help, for mercy—as they were attacked in alleys. Eviscerated in parks. Savaged in subway stations.
Carnage was blamed on sewer gators, coyotes, and giant rats.
The iconic sculptures at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street had always been regarded as more than mere hunks of stone.
Very few knew they were so well-read.
Well-fed.
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