10 Best Books About Libraries and Librarians: Libraries and librarians have long been the subject of fascination in literature, both fiction and non-fiction. From cozy mysteries to coming-of-age tales, libraries and the people who work in them have played significant roles in many of our favorite stories. In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best books about libraries and librarians that will take you on a journey through the magical world of books, knowledge, and the people who preserve them. So, whether you’re a bookworm, a bibliophile, or just someone who loves a good story, this list is sure to have something for you.
10 Best Books About Libraries and Librarians
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
The Library Book, written by renowned journalist Susan Orlean, recounts the heartrending story of the devastating 1986 fire that consumed the Los Angeles Public Library and the subsequent efforts to restore it. In her book, Orlean examines the significance of libraries and librarians in contemporary society and reflects on her personal connection to these institutions over the years. The Library Book raises the intriguing question of whether the culprit behind the arson attack will ever be identified.
Through her exploration of the aftermath of the library fire, Orlean highlights the importance of libraries as community hubs and the vital role that librarians play in preserving and promoting access to information. Her extensive research delves into the history of libraries and their evolution into modern-day information centers. The book also sheds light on the difficulties encountered by library staff in their efforts to rebuild the Los Angeles Public Library in the wake of the tragic event.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
Chris Grabentsein’s middle grade novel, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (2013), is an enchanting book that will make children feel right at home in libraries. The story revolves around Kyle Keeley, a fun-loving schoolboy with a passion for games, who is drawn to the invitation to visit the new library built by the quirky Mr. Lemoncello. What Kyle and his friends don’t expect is the series of exciting events that they will have to face to get out of the library.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is a book that captures the imagination of children and highlights the magical potential of libraries to inspire and excite young minds. With its fun-filled storyline and playful characters, this book is sure to be a hit among kids who love stories about adventure and exploration. The book can be compared to Roald Dahl’s classic, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as both stories have an eccentric character inviting children to explore a new world of wonders. Overall, Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library is a fantastic read that will encourage children to see libraries as a place of fun and adventure.
The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
In Scott Hawkins’ 2015 novel, The Library at Mount Char, readers are transported into a mesmerizing dark fantasy world that is masterfully crafted with lush prose and intricate world-building. The story revolves around a seemingly endless library where our protagonists are raised by a mysterious man called Father. The children are tasked with mastering various “catalogues” of knowledge, including languages, animals, mathematics, and more. However, as the children grow into adults, they begin to sense that there is more to the world beyond the library’s walls, and they soon realize that they alone possess the power to topple a sinister society.
Hawkins’ skillful storytelling challenges readers to question the nature of knowledge and information, much like a good library does. Through his carefully constructed world, Hawkins encourages readers to consider the limits of what we know and what we think we know. The Library at Mount Char is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers questioning their own understanding of the world around them.
The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai
Rebecca Makkai’s The Borrower (2011) is a heart-warming story about Lucy, a children’s librarian in Mississippi, who finds herself slipping extra books to her favorite patron, a precocious 10-year-old named Ian. Unfortunately, Ian’s strict religious mother disapproves of his reading choices, leading Lucy to intervene on his behalf. When she discovers Ian sleeping in the library to avoid his mother’s wrath, Lucy decides to take matters into her own hands and embarks on a road trip with him.
This novel celebrates the vital role of children’s librarians and their ability to inspire young readers. Lucy’s dedication to Ian shows how librarians can go above and beyond their job descriptions to connect with their patrons and advocate for their well-being. Makkai’s novel highlights the importance of literature and the power of friendship in shaping young minds. Overall, The Borrower is a touching tale that reminds us of the transformative impact of books and the people who help us discover them.
The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
The main character in the novel, Dita Kraus, is a 14-year-old librarian based on a real-life person who lived during the Second World War in Auschwitz. In the camp, a few prisoners have managed to smuggle in books, which are considered to be contraband. Freddy, the person in charge of the children, entrusts Dita with the task of taking care of the forbidden books.
Books are regarded as lethal weapons in Auschwitz. The mere possession of these items can lead to death. The guards of the Reich are afraid of these books, even though they are nothing more than old, damaged, and tattered, without any sharp edges or heavy ends. Despite the risk to her life, Dita takes her job seriously and shares the books with others in the camp. Her actions reveal her determination to make sure that the power of literature is not lost, even in the most perilous of circumstances.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
The Paris Library is a novel that merges elements of WWII fiction and bibliophilic fiction. It revolves around the real-life story of people who worked in the American Library in Paris during World War II. Odile, one of the librarians, is at the center of the story. The library faces threats due to its collection of banned books and its subscription services to individuals who were not favored by the Nazis. Despite facing resistance, Odile and her colleagues manage to survive the war. However, Odile bears the emotional scars of her experiences.
Fast forward to 1983, and Odile is now residing in Montana. She forms a friendship with her neighbor, Lily, and begins to share her story with her. The book explores themes of love, loss, longing, and a passion for literature. The Paris Library is a gripping tale of resilience in the face of adversity. It highlights the importance of books and the ways in which they provide solace and hope during difficult times.
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
Although the title may suggest otherwise, the book primarily revolves around the personal journey of the protagonist, Martha Storm, rather than the library itself. Martha is a librarian who feels trapped in her mundane life, constantly trying to please ungrateful individuals, and has lost touch with her true identity. However, things take a turn when she comes across a book containing her grandmother’s magical stories, which leads her to believe that her deceased grandmother may actually be alive.
Driven by this newfound hope, Martha embarks on a quest to find her grandmother, ultimately discovering her own sense of self in the process. The novel is a heartwarming tale that explores complex family dynamics and mental health issues without shying away from the difficult realities. Overall, it is a poignant and engaging story that leaves readers with a sense of hope and inspiration.
The Librarian (#1 The Librarian Chronicles) by Christy Sloat
Similar to Outlander, this book contains time travel, romance, and adventure but with a more manageable page count and less swordplay. Emme, who has recently inherited the role of librarian from her grandmother, discovers a cache of ancient magical books and a mysterious librarian ring. When she opens one of the books, she is transported to England in 1892, where she meets the dashing Jack Ridgewell. Their encounter leads to a thrilling adventure, and as they spend more time together, sparks begin to fly.
This novel is the first in a series of books that follow different librarians who possess the power of time travel. Each book features a new protagonist with their unique journey through time and space. Emme’s story is a delightful blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure that transports the reader to another world. The book is perfect for those who love a good romance novel with a magical twist.
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
Belle da Costa Green was not just any librarian; she was an exceptional one. Hired by J.P. Morgan, she was tasked with overseeing his vast collection of books, manuscripts, and artworks, all housed in the newly constructed Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle’s work soon transformed her into a formidable collector and curator, earning her a place among the most captivating figures in New York’s high society. But there was a secret she had been keeping. Despite appearances, Belle was not the white woman that everyone knew her to be, but rather, a black woman. Her family had relocated to New York, hoping to pass as white, in order to secure better economic opportunities.
This book tells the story of Belle’s extraordinary life, highlighting her work as a librarian and curator, her romantic relationships, and the challenges she faced as a person of color “passing” in a time when it was incredibly risky to do so. Despite these difficulties, Belle became an icon in her own right, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Morgan Library and the world of librarianship.
The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami
In the lyrical novella, The Strange Library (2014), the master of magical realism, Haruki Murakami, takes readers on a journey to an extraordinary library. The short novel revolves around a young boy who is held captive in a terrifying library. He embarks on a quest to escape by navigating through the labyrinthine passageways and catacombs of the building, encountering peculiar characters on his way. The author masterfully captures the dream-like ambiance of a library and its peculiar patrons. Murakami’s exploration of the bizarre yet captivating world of the library will keep readers captivated until the end.
The Strange Library is an enchanting tale of wonder and imagination, a mesmerizing blend of magical realism and suspense. Murakami’s storytelling skills are on full display in this novella, as he conjures up a world that is both haunting and spellbinding. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves the fantasy genre or simply enjoys a good story.
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