I went to the Robert Crown Branch Library to photograph the first person to use the library during early morning hours. It was me. Monday was the first day the library was open – with no staff – at 7 a.m. Library card holders can get a code to gain access for extended hours most days in the mornings or evenings. I signed up and used my card to unlock the door. I stayed about 30 minutes, all alone with the books. Who wouldn’t love that? Before leaving, I checked out a novel titled The Midnight Library. (Photo by Richard Cahan)

Richard Cahan takes photos for the Evanston RoundTable. He also is publisher of CityFiles Press, a small but mighty media company that believes in the power of words and pictures. You can reach him at... More by Richard Cahan