The big hand had not yet touched the 12, and the people indoors were not going to open a minute early. The small crowd, maybe nine people, some anxious, some making pleasantries, were pressed together waiting at the doors. Not for a sale at a store. Not to arrive on time for work. Not to buy tickets to a concert, or get into a club, or get fast food in an airport.

They were waiting for the library to open its doors.