In the photograph embedded above, you can see that Egyptians have banded together to protect the national libraries as violence escalates in Cairo.

Earlier this week, Bibliotheca Alexandrina director Ismail Serageldin wrote a short letter explaining that Egyptian youth were protecting the libraries as demonstrations swept through Cairo. He has posted photos and videos of the brave library protectors holding hands int front of the library.

Here’s more from the director: “In the earlier statement (see below) I described the events in Egypt and reassured our friends about the safety of the Library and all our staff. As the protests continued, I am happy to report that opponents and supporters joined hands in protecting the library, and I am providing pictures and video on the website. The demonstrations were large and peaceful (video), and at prayer times, people prayed in front of the library.” (Via American Libraries)