Changes

|title=The Library Book

|sort=Library Book

|borrow=Yes

|isbn=978-1781250051

|pages=192

|publisher=Profile Books

|date=February 2012

|summary=The closure of public libraries is a hugely important issue at the moment, though it often seems to be swept under the carpet with politicians trying to hush any militant librarians. This book is a wonderful defence of everything that is good and vital about the public library service, and makes an interesting and enjoyable read.

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I had better begin by saying that I had a vested interest in liking this book since I am a chartered librarian myself and so am wholeheartedly in support of saving our nation's public libraries. But you don't need to be a librarian to enjoy this book. It is rich with anecdotes from some wonderful writers and makes a pleasant read whether you're keen to save libraries or not.

I find myself frustrated at the suggestions that the work of libraries should be taken up by volunteers. Quite who this army of willing workers is remains to be seen, and just how much they know about the hard work and dedication that goes into running a library behind the scenes is anyone's guess. I only know that libraries have played an important role in my life since I was a little girl, and that I spent much of my childhood taking out my full quota of books every week, reading and re-reading them until the next visit, and that those books fired a passion in me for stories, took me on adventures and through a wide range of emotions, and left me feeling richer. So reading this book, hearing other people's deep love of libraries and seeing the differences they have made in people's lives was, for me, a lovely reading experience. So, do buy a copy to help support The Reading Agency, but perhaps also you should go and borrow it from your local library as well, or see what else you can find in there that takes your fancy...

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[[Category:Short Stories]]