Greenwich Libraries’ East Greenwich book group recently won a reading group set of The Library Book from Profile Books. At their reading group meeting on 5 April, they had a lively discussion about the book and here’s what they thought:
The Library Book – a review by Sarah Davis
The Library Book is an attractive and compact little book. But do not be deceived by its size! It contains a wealth of interesting stories by writers and broadcasters from different and diverse backgrounds who support the Reading Agency and libraries.
There are stories of memories, fond visits to libraries during childhood and the value of libraries as a source of education and of community. There are also fictional tales that feature a library. The chilling Lending Library by Kate Mosse I found very scary. Included is an extract from a futuristic novel by China Mieville.
But for me what I really liked is that although all of the writers have different experiences and life stories it was as though they were relating to me my own personal love affair with the public library. I found myself remembering my own memories. My mum joined me up to the library when I was just 6 months old (in the London borough of Lewisham, a library that has since closed its doors). I grew up in the public library – after school I used to rush along to my local library. I would recommend this book not just to library supporters but anyone interested in punchy and poignant short stories. Well written and thought provoking, although tinged with some sadness. I loved this book!
In many ways The Library Book is a celebration of the importance of libraries.
It celebrates how life enhancing libraries are. Most importantly it demonstrates how libraries have no barriers – they are for everyone regardless of class, culture, ethnically and age.
What we thought
Made me feel sad and nostalgic about the demise of the Library.
Reminded me of happy childhood moments in my local Library browsing the shelves and the Librarian letting me take out books from the adult library as I had worked my way though the children’s section.
Made me feel angry just ‘like a grumpy old man’ (like the television programme) hating the way libraries are all about banks and banks of computers and not books!
The ghost story by Kate Mosse I thought was very scary.
I especially liked the piece by Lionel Shriver.
I liked Tom Holland’s contribution about ancient Libraries.
I grew up in a poor working class family where Libraries and the free books that they offered me allowed me to educate myself and achieve the honour of going on to university.
As well as a means to educate though books I have experienced plenty: I have been back in time, I have entered worlds beyond my imagination, and I have travelled the world.
The account by Susan Hill about the London library brought back to me many happy memories of using the same library in the 1960’s.
Made me realise that Libraries are vital.
There will be generations of children that will miss the experience of going into a Library.
I wonder of my local Councillor has read the book? As she does not seem concerned with what is happening to our libraries.
It was interesting to read that writers value Libraries but it would have been interesting to have also included some contributions from ordinary Library members.
It was agreed that the book was an interesting read. Easy to dip into. The design of the book attractive.
Would recommend this book to all Library users and writers..
About the book
Published on National Libraries Day 2012, The Library Book brings together some of our most outstanding writers who tell us all about how libraries are used, why they’re important and describe libraries real or imagined. All royalties from The Library Book are coming to The Reading Agency to support our library reading programmes, so please buy your copy.
Read The Library Book? Let us know your thoughts.
