‘To my mind, there are no professions more noble than bookseller and librarians. Nor, as you will soon read, are there professionals who are more surprising and inspiring.’ – James Patterson
Get ready to discover the heroes behind our bookshelves, with this brand-new, non-fiction book from James Patterson, the second most borrowed author from UK libraries, and his co-writer Matt Eversmann.
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians is a heartwarming collection of interviews and stories, including an exclusive interview with bestselling author turned bookshop owner Judy Blume, the writer of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.
The book is a celebration of the hardworking champions of literature. It acknowledges the dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment of exceptional librarians, showcasing just how integral they are to their local communities. It’s a reminder that libraries aren’t just buildings stacked with books – they’re bustling hubs of imagination, creativity, and adventures.
Check out an extract from the book below, with librarian and digital archivist Beth Jarrell:
Libraries are about books, but not only about books.
People think of libraries as giant repositories for books and of librarians as people who sit around and read all day, two concepts that could not be further from the truth.
I grew up in Saskatchewan, Canada, where visits to our local public library were the highlight of my life. I always found something to read at the library. I was the kid hiding under the covers with the flashlight reading late into the night. “Just one more chapter, please, just one more chapter.”
My favourite thing is helping people. Handing someone a book with the power to change their lives is magical because, oftentimes, it does.
So does restoring a lost part of their past, whether it’s finding an obituary of someone’s father they thought they’d never find again or having a woman come in and say, “Hey, I’ve heard my great-grandmother used to live on this island. I’ve never seen a picture of her. Do you know anything about her?”
I hand her a photo of her great-grandmother.
The book is out now and available to request from your local library!
