“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”
― Jorge Luis Borges
librarians, we’re natural-born readers who eat, sleep and breathe books. So, it should come as no surprise that the library where we work feels more like a cozy home, surrounded by our favorite things, rather than a job. But libraries are so much more than their endless shelves and stacks of books. It has always been my opinion that all of life’s questions can be answered at the library. Here, new discoveries are made, friendships are formed, and there is always someone eager to help.
Books are a crucial part of our lives and, every once in a while, a new book comes out that gives us a glimpse into the places we love most: the world’s libraries. Old or new, fact and fiction, here are some of my favorite books about libraries.
The Card Catalog: This book takes readers deep inside the archives at the Library of Congress with images of card catalogs, first edition books and photographs of the library’s history.
The Library Book: Susan Orlean delves into the unsolved mystery of the infamous fire at the Los Angeles Public Library’s main branch, while exploring the inner workings and importance of our beloved institutions.
The Public Library: From small, one-room houses to five-story masterpieces, this book is a photographic collection of thousands of public libraries across America. Included are essays and poetry written by some of the world’s most famed writers.
Greening Libraries: Written by librarians across North America, this book seeks to educate and inspire with stories of how libraries are “going green” with services, committees and programs.
BiblioTech: Many assume that libraries are not needed now that information is at our fingertips through the inventions of Google and smartphones. Through this book, John Palfrey argues that libraries are actually more important now than ever before.
A Narrative History of the Princeton Public Library: A list of my favorite books about libraries would not be complete without a history of our own! This book chronicles the history and evolution of PPL, including historic photographs.
Enjoy this comprehensive list of books about libraries and librarians, both fiction and nonfiction. And, if you are so inclined, come visit us and experience the magic for yourself!
Photo by Rabie Madaci on Unsplash.