Libraryland: It's All about the Story

by Ben Bizzle, Sue Considine (Editor)

Libraries are community connectors, places where people come together, think together, and learn together. Libraries support and nurture strong, resilient communities. Day in and day out, the library workers at these institutions are doing much more than ensuring equal and equitable access to information; and their impact stretches far beyond the books, programs, and services they facilitate. Featuring contributions from such library leaders as Rebekkah Smith Aldrich, the late Nicolette Sosulski, and Erica Freudenberger, this collection of inspiring first-hand stories from across libraryland spotlights the countless ways in which library staff are making a difference for their communities. A sharing of the hearts, minds, and spirits of library staff from across the country, the uplifting personal narratives in this book include

when a routine reference query inspired a librarian to reach out to a senior patron;
how a public library’s annual Diwali celebration has strengthened the social fabric of the surrounding community;
the story of a library that burned down, was hit by a hurricane, got sued twice, and yet still reemerged stronger than ever;
how the team at the Fayetteville Free Library (FFL) of New York has strategically nurtured a culture of innovation by integrating Syracuse University students into the staff, holding technology “open houses,” and developing other initiatives; and
the intervention of a public library staff member that helped a mother keep her son enrolled in school and receive his diploma.

Library workers change and save lives every day, and this book is a powerful and nourishing reminder of exactly why libraries are essential.

Genres: Nonfiction, Librarianship

144 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2020

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Filled with proof as to why libraries truly matter to everyday people, everywhere.

[Shylo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right now, during this time of extreme burnout, I feel like this book is essential for public library workers. While there were stories about big projects to inspire readers, my favorite stories were the ones about individual patrons whose lives were improved by visiting a library. What we do and how we treat people matters.

I hope we will get more books like this in the future.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes we need a little reminder of why we do what we do. This collection of stories about the impact of libraries on their communities is just the reminder that some of us might need after a couple of difficult years. I highly recommend this for Librarians and library staff who need a little boost of inspiration.

[Jennifer Sveda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction by the editor described this as a "Chicken Soup for the Librarian Soul," but I'm not sure it was actually that feel-good. A lot of the stories were less personal than I was hoping - I was looking forward to little snapshots of daily life in libraries, something that I would be able to relate to. Instead, several stories focused on major projects that spanned years, utilizing budgets that are way outside the scope of the library I work at. The stories were interesting - and I feel very inspired by the Chattanooga Library's acquisition of pianos for their patrons of all ages to use - but overall, it was not exactly what I was expecting or wanting from this title.

[Sharon]

Libraries are amazing places doing so much more than many people realize. Libraries and library staff connect with people every day. It's an amazing place to work. If you are not a librarian-- perhaps you are considering the field?-- this might be the book for you.

Unfortunately this book felt too much like work to this librarian, so I DNF'ed it about halfway through.

[Christine Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little pat on the back for librarians.

[Suzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of stories reflecting on working in (mostly public) libraries. It's probably mostly of interest to other librarians, but some of the stories were very moving.

[Shallowreader VaVeros · Rating 2 out of 5]

An extra star was lost due to the inaccessibility of the ebook copy.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I work with one of these people!