FEDERAL LIBRARY SYSTEM

The Federal Library System is a cornerstone of education and culture within the Federal Confederation. Established to address resource constraints and promote communal access to knowledge, Federal Libraries serve multiple functions:

• Replacing Digital Knowledge Access: Due to resource limitations, the libraries replace digital systems by providing curated physical books, ensuring citizens have access to essential knowledge.
• Replacing Digital Entertainment: Federal Libraries offer curated literature to entertain and inspire, substituting resource-intensive digital media.
• Fostering Cultural Exchange: Libraries host public readings, cultural events, and serve as platforms for social interaction, reinforcing communal bonds.

The first Federal Library opened in New Kourou in December 2634, with subsequent openings in Firetown, Hope, and Morningstar by 2635. Managed under the Federal News Agency, these libraries symbolize the Federal Confederation's dedication to sustainability, education, and culture.

Federal Libraries are also part of the official distribution network of the Weekly Gazette, ensuring that citizens can access current news alongside curated books and reference works.

Tragedy struck the Federal Library System when the Federal Library of Hope burned down in January 2636. The Federal Attorney accuses the Individualist Party of orchestrating the incident, citing their ideological opposition to the Federal Library System as potential motive. Investigations by the Federal Sheriff have faced significant challenges, as Hope is governed by an Individualist Mayor, and its Local Sheriff is affiliated with the Individualist Party. The investigation remains ongoing, leaving the ExoHuman community divided and demanding justice.

Books in the Federal Library System are printed under the supervision of the Federal News Agency at the Federal Printing Office in New Kourou. The selection process, governed by GAIA, is based on parameters set by the Communard government through the Federal Council. This process, known as the Federal Longlist, determines which books are included in the libraries' catalogs and ensures alignment with the educational and cultural goals of the Federal Confederation.

GAIA's database contains all published books (fiction and non-fiction) from Earth up to January 2421, the day the spacecraft Last Frontier launched. This comprehensive archive provides an extensive repository for the selection of Earth literature and knowledge, ensuring the preservation of human culture and history despite limited resources.

Categories

• Fiction (1,000 titles): Primarily Earth literature drawn from GAIA’s archive. Contemporary fiction is scarce due to labor shortages, with only a few part-time authors contributing.
• Non-Fiction (1,500 titles): Approximately 70% of these titles originate from Earth, offering a wealth of historical, scientific, and cultural knowledge preserved from the pre-launch era. The remaining 30% includes current research by Danah Wanah University and studies on Native Tribes’ culture, many authored by GAIA.
• Reference Works (300 titles): Includes essential resources like the Federal Encyclopedia, dictionaries (Exo-English-Honga), atlases, the Common Constitution, and the Peace Treaty.
• Education (200 titles): Textbooks and learning materials for various age groups and disciplines, primarily written by GAIA.

The Federal Library System has faced sharp criticism, especially from the Individualist Party, which argues that the curated selection process stifles freedom of thought and creativity.

Notable Quotes

• “In the old days, people decided on a free market what is worth reading. Now Aisha Patel does this for us. And I tell you, she has very bad taste…” Thabo "Tony" Forster, Mayor of Firetown

• “We don’t need to reform the Federal Library System. It is outdated as soon as we have our energy back and common people will get access to the Web again.” Jamal Johanson, Leader of the Individualist Party

Despite this opposition, the Communard government emphasizes the importance of centralized, sustainable knowledge sharing for the well-being of all citizens.

• Eligibility: Any citizen with an Allotment Card may borrow books.
• Borrowing Limits: Up to four books per month for a period of four weeks.
• Accountability: Borrowed books are recorded in the Large Yearbook maintained by the librarian.
• Penalties: Citizens who fail to return books on time more than once a year are suspended from borrowing for one year.

Each Federal Library is staffed as follows:

• Library Director: Manages administration, collections, and staff.
• Librarian: Assists citizens with book searches, recommendations, and check-in/out processes.
• Janitor: Handles cleaning and maintenance duties.

• Curation: GAIA, guided by the Federal Council's criteria, creates the Federal Longlist, determining which books are added to the system.
• Printing: Books are produced in the Federal Printing Office in New Kourou.
• Delivery: Books are distributed to the four Federal Libraries by the Federal Courier Service and maintained as shared public resources.

Federal Libraries serve as more than just repositories for books. They are vital cultural hubs offering:

• Public Readings: Events featuring storytellers or authors.
• Cultural Exchange: Workshops and discussions highlighting Native and ExoHuman cultural practices.
• Community Gatherings: Spaces for citizens to share ideas and socialize.

• Gamma Age
• Federal Confederation
• Communardism
• The Federal News Agency
• Federal Longlist
• The exohuman culture in the Gamma Age
• GAIA System

Federal Libraries within the Federal Confederation:

• Federal Library of New Kourou
• Federal Library of Firetown
• Federal Library of Hope
• Federal Library of Morningstar