What do you think?
Rate this book
A Library
In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.
In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them.
This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.
In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them.
This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2022
5 people are currently reading
823 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Giovanni
161 books1,407 followersYolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni Jr. was an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. One of the world's most well-known African-American poets, her work includes poetry anthologies, poetry recordings, and nonfiction essays, and covers topics ranging from race and social issues to children's literature. She won numerous awards, including the Langston Hughes Medal and the NAACP Image Award. She was nominated for a Grammy Award for her poetry album, The Nikki Giovanni Poetry Collection. Additionally, she was named as one of Oprah Winfrey's 25 "Living Legends". Giovanni was a member of The Wintergreen Women Writers Collective.
Giovanni gained initial fame in the late 1960s as one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts Movement. Influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement of the period, her early work provides a strong, militant African-American perspective, leading one writer to dub her the "Poet of the Black Revolution". During the 1970s, she began writing children's literature, and co-founded a publishing company, NikTom Ltd, to provide an outlet for other African-American women writers. Over subsequent decades, her works discussed social issues, human relationships, and hip hop. Poems such as "Knoxville, Tennessee" and "Nikki-Rosa" have been frequently re-published in anthologies and other collections.
Giovanni received numerous awards and holds 27 honorary degrees from various colleges and universities. She was also given the key to over two dozen cities. Giovanni was honored with the NAACP Image Award seven times. One of her more unique honors was having a South America bat species, Micronycteris giovanniae, named after her in 2007.
Giovanni was proud of her Appalachian roots and worked to change the way the world views Appalachians and Affrilachians.
Giovanni taught at Queens College, Rutgers, and Ohio State, and was a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech until September 1, 2022. After the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, she delivered a chant-poem at a memorial for the shooting victims.
Giovanni gained initial fame in the late 1960s as one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts Movement. Influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement of the period, her early work provides a strong, militant African-American perspective, leading one writer to dub her the "Poet of the Black Revolution". During the 1970s, she began writing children's literature, and co-founded a publishing company, NikTom Ltd, to provide an outlet for other African-American women writers. Over subsequent decades, her works discussed social issues, human relationships, and hip hop. Poems such as "Knoxville, Tennessee" and "Nikki-Rosa" have been frequently re-published in anthologies and other collections.
Giovanni received numerous awards and holds 27 honorary degrees from various colleges and universities. She was also given the key to over two dozen cities. Giovanni was honored with the NAACP Image Award seven times. One of her more unique honors was having a South America bat species, Micronycteris giovanniae, named after her in 2007.
Giovanni was proud of her Appalachian roots and worked to change the way the world views Appalachians and Affrilachians.
Giovanni taught at Queens College, Rutgers, and Ohio State, and was a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech until September 1, 2022. After the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, she delivered a chant-poem at a memorial for the shooting victims.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews
November 28, 2022
This is exquisite, and one of my favorite parts is how this story is bookended with home and chores and that choice of the main character being on their own at the library like it's a magical world in between.
January 7, 2025
Absolutely Beautful 🩵💛🩷
Nikki Giovanni's Author's note is a Wonderful Treasure.
Nikki Giovanni's Author's note is a Wonderful Treasure.
December 18, 2022
Rhymes do not make a text "poetry." I can't say what poetry isI, but I recognize it when I hear it (I hear words aloud in my head when reading or writing).
Giovanni writes poetry:
Perhaps a poet makes one feel the words, not just hear them?
Robinson created gorgeous art to accompany the text. I love that the characters she created have the period look appropriate to the afterword, even if the poem doesn't specify. The palette is saturated and rich with feeling and textures of textiles.
Library copy
Giovanni writes poetry:
... to sail the dreams
to be blue
to be jazz...
Perhaps a poet makes one feel the words, not just hear them?
Robinson created gorgeous art to accompany the text. I love that the characters she created have the period look appropriate to the afterword, even if the poem doesn't specify. The palette is saturated and rich with feeling and textures of textiles.
Library copy
January 22, 2023
4.5 rounded up, for this children's book about a neighborhood library.
October 24, 2023
A library is "a place to be free...to be a cook...to be quick and smart...to be contained and cautious...to be wonderful..." and so much more. Alongside Erin K. Robinson's joyously colorful illustrations, Giovanni shows what a special place a library is just through the experience of being around books. Simple and special.
December 9, 2022
These are some of my favorite things: a library, Nikki Giovanni, and art. This picture book hits the trifecta for me. Like Ms. Giovanni I grew up loving the library and my childhood librarian. It is where I first met the poet Nikki Giovanni and where I fell in love with poetry. This story pays homage to the library. It is an ode of adoration. The colorful collage of fine art crafted by Erin K. Robinson creates the perfect nostalgic setting for the work.
November 22, 2022
Aspirational look at what a library can be for someone (except for the "please be quiet" sign on the ibrarian's desk that should definitely not be there).
March 23, 2023
Well I know what I will be reading at the beginning of the school year for the rest of my life.
November 16, 2022
Beautiful artwork and images accompanied by Nikki Giovanni’s words.
June 10, 2023
A quiet yet vibrant book about how much of yourself you can explore at the public library and through reading. Paints reading as a relaxing indulgence to look forward to after you get through your obligations.
Giovanni’s description of libraries is pretty compassionate given her note in the back about segregation limiting her access to books. I was moved by how she remembered her childhood librarian making special trips to get her copies nevertheless — a powerful reminder that ultimately, libraries are only as welcoming, inclusive, and justice-minded as their staff.
Giovanni’s description of libraries is pretty compassionate given her note in the back about segregation limiting her access to books. I was moved by how she remembered her childhood librarian making special trips to get her copies nevertheless — a powerful reminder that ultimately, libraries are only as welcoming, inclusive, and justice-minded as their staff.
January 11, 2023
Lovely illustrations capture the joy experienced by a young girl escaping her regular day with imaginative journeys through the books she discovers in a library.
Reviewer # 27
Reviewer # 27
March 30, 2023
This little girl was me 🖤
September 27, 2023
MARVELOUS MUST READ
March 9, 2023
I was so excited to find and read this book about the library and it was so cute and this is why I love children’s books.
One of this country’s best selling author and world renowned poet Nikki Giovanni reminds us of a place where dreams are in abundance and life a you can imagine comes true all in one place. If you love to read then I’m pretty sure you got your start in a library, whether at school or in your local community, either way you will be taken back to that magical place of happiness.
Not only does the short story and her brilliant writing style bring excitement, the illustrations are just a exciting. The vibrant colors and stunning details will take you back to your childhood and help you remember the importance of libraries in children’s lives.
One of this country’s best selling author and world renowned poet Nikki Giovanni reminds us of a place where dreams are in abundance and life a you can imagine comes true all in one place. If you love to read then I’m pretty sure you got your start in a library, whether at school or in your local community, either way you will be taken back to that magical place of happiness.
Not only does the short story and her brilliant writing style bring excitement, the illustrations are just a exciting. The vibrant colors and stunning details will take you back to your childhood and help you remember the importance of libraries in children’s lives.
March 23, 2023
Am I such a complete, 1000% librarian/book lover/avid reader that, when I see the words “A library is:” with a young girl, eyes closed, holding an open book that is radiating light, I get
goosebumps
and the biggest grin EVER?! And then I turn the page and see the young girl, sitting on the floor in front of a tall bookcase crammed with books, light radiating from above, and I get even
more goosebumps
and an
even bigger grin
? Why, yes, I would be that 1000% librarian/book lover/avid reader!
Erin K. Robinson’s artwork appeared to be paper piecing but the small print on the copyright page says she used Procreate. Regardless of her methods, the artwork is delightfully bright and colorful, pulling even more joy and happiness from Nikki Giovanni’s poetic words. Will I be looking for Giovanni’s original piece “A Library” from her collection Acolytes? Oh, yes, I will!
Erin K. Robinson’s artwork appeared to be paper piecing but the small print on the copyright page says she used Procreate. Regardless of her methods, the artwork is delightfully bright and colorful, pulling even more joy and happiness from Nikki Giovanni’s poetic words. Will I be looking for Giovanni’s original piece “A Library” from her collection Acolytes? Oh, yes, I will!
April 21, 2023
Sure I’m biased. I love Nikki Giovanni. I quivered when I met her at a book talk she gave a few years ago. I love her passion for her people and her insatiable thirst for knowledge. Like hers, my life was forever changed for the better in a library. This book was gorgeous, both the poetic, rhythmic writing and the immaculate illustrations. Loved it. Perfect for young readers.
April 24, 2024
This is every Teacher's dream book to introduce the wonderment of a "Library". I can remember as a kid, how much fun it was to hang out in libraries and get lost in a new world on each visit. The story is brilliant and engaging and let's not forget the beautiful graphics of a little girl and her grandma spending time together.
May 21, 2023
A love letter to libraries, but alas another picture book written for adults, book lovers and/or librarians specifically. I will say though that this particular mixed media style of illustrations is unique and one I hope to see more in traditional picture books written more for everyday children.
December 3, 2022
A wonderful addition to a a child’s collection. I wanted an introduction to this poets work and this was an excellent beginning.
March 8, 2025
Warmed my heart
October 30, 2024
We could’ve learned a little bit more about a library, it was okay. Story was kind of lacking. Dad liked it more and gave it 4 stars. He says I have no imagination-he’s mean but we love him.
December 31, 2022
BEAUTIFUL!!!
July 25, 2023
Support your public library.
October 28, 2022
So lovely!
Themes: Books, Library, Welcome, Imagination
Age range: All ages
Themes: Books, Library, Welcome, Imagination
Age range: All ages
January 31, 2023
This is such an amazingly wonderful book with a touching note from the author.
The illustrations are magical- they mimic textile with an almost tissue paper like covering over the buildings and such. The only 3 people have solid colors, contrasting beautifully with the backgrounds
The illustrations perfectly compliment the heart of the book - the story.
The story begins with a girl helping her grandma hang laundry with the sheets billowing in a way that creates a dreamy yet grounded feeling.
Her grandma reminds her to return her library books. On her own, the girl goes to the library where the lists all the gifts books give us, the emotions one might feel, and the connections one shares - a safe, enhancing place to be. The book ends with the girl helping out at her grandma’s home, followed by a gorgeous illustration of her in the back yard with views of the hills in the background, wrapped in a quilt “covering g my toes”, absorbed in a book.
I think the book flap maybe says it best:
“What is a library?
It isn’t just a home
for books;
it’s a haven for
your dreams,
imagination,
and adventure!
The text is sparse, but “lyrical”.
The illustrations are magical- they mimic textile with an almost tissue paper like covering over the buildings and such. The only 3 people have solid colors, contrasting beautifully with the backgrounds
The illustrations perfectly compliment the heart of the book - the story.
The story begins with a girl helping her grandma hang laundry with the sheets billowing in a way that creates a dreamy yet grounded feeling.
Her grandma reminds her to return her library books. On her own, the girl goes to the library where the lists all the gifts books give us, the emotions one might feel, and the connections one shares - a safe, enhancing place to be. The book ends with the girl helping out at her grandma’s home, followed by a gorgeous illustration of her in the back yard with views of the hills in the background, wrapped in a quilt “covering g my toes”, absorbed in a book.
I think the book flap maybe says it best:
“What is a library?
It isn’t just a home
for books;
it’s a haven for
your dreams,
imagination,
and adventure!
The text is sparse, but “lyrical”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2022
Guess where I discovered this new book by Nikki Giovanni? My incredible library, of course! It's hard to resist praise for libraries; this one is a poetic ode to all the things a library can be, as shown by a young girl. She has helped her grandmother do some chores and then is reminded she has some books to return. Off she goes and that is when the beauty and the allure of a library emerge. With Erin K. Robinson's dreamy illustrations, this girl, on each page, tells of what the library is to her. She can "surf the rainbow" or "sail the dreams" along with "being contained and cautious" or "quick and smart". Nikki Giovanni writes a brief and loving afterword telling of her childhood library and special librarian during the summertimes she stayed with her grandmother. It would be wonderful to talk, then have people write about special library moments with a group.
July 14, 2022
Nikki Giovanni has penned a wonderful tribute to the library and librarian that played an important part in her life. Each summer she visited her grandmother in Knoxville. It was a Carnegie Library but it was also a segregated library. Books that Nikki wanted to read were not always available. But her librarian would work magic and somehow manage to obtain the books that Nikki wanted or books that the librarian knew she would love. It's also a tribute to the wonder of reading.
The illustrations are lovely - I especially enjoyed the one of Nikki curled up in a blanket, reading her books in the back yard after chores were done.
Don't miss the note at the back of the book!
Thank you to the publisher for an e-ARC!
The illustrations are lovely - I especially enjoyed the one of Nikki curled up in a blanket, reading her books in the back yard after chores were done.
Don't miss the note at the back of the book!
Thank you to the publisher for an e-ARC!
July 15, 2022
The art by Erin Robinson is likely the first thing to be noticed about this book-full page, corner to corner washes that completely cover every white space with bold colors declaring what young Nikki likes to think about as she visits the library and imagines herself in different places and as totally different things. The simple lyrical text clarifies the intent of the illustrations making the perfect book for someone who is first experiencing the wonders of the library or for those who already love it. Perfect gift for someone just beginning his/her role as a librarian.
Thanks for the read-now digital arc, Harper Collins and Edelweiss Above the Treeline.
Thanks for the read-now digital arc, Harper Collins and Edelweiss Above the Treeline.
February 18, 2023
Beautiful book —both text and illustrations. As a former children’s librarian (now retired), I would have used this one often in storytimes if it had been published then. Only thing I disliked was the stereotypical “Quiet Please” sign on the librarian’s desk. Libraries are NOT the silent tombs they used to be; they have changed a lot over the years. But the rest of the illustrations more than made up for this one tiny problem I had with it. They really conveyed the mood of imagination and delight.
March 27, 2024
I stumbled across this children’s book at the library and wanted to see what it was about. Super cute and adorable! I love how it encourages children to read and displays the idea of where a book can take you! I also love the pictures! I love seeing Black children being represented as happy, smart, intelligent, with the ability to do anything they want in life! We need books like these so Black children and adults are represented well, encouraged and seen in ways that opposes what America has stereotyped about us because of the color of our skin. 💜
Displaying 1 - 30 of 229 reviews