The Last Library

by Freya Sampson

A Good Morning America Buzz Pick
A Library Reads Pick

June Jones emerges from her shell to fight for her beloved local library, and through the efforts and support of an eclectic group of library patrons, she discovers life-changing friendships along the way.
 
Lonely librarian June Jones has never left the sleepy English village where she grew up. Shy and reclusive, the thirty-year-old would rather spend her time buried in books than venture out into the world. But when her library is threatened with closure, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the heart of her community and the place that holds the dearest memories of her mother.

Joining a band of eccentric yet dedicated locals in a campaign to keep the library, June opens herself up to other people for the first time since her mother died. It just so happens that her old school friend Alex Chen is back in town and willing to lend a helping hand. The kindhearted lawyer's feelings for her are obvious to everyone but June, who won't believe that anyone could ever care for her in that way.

To save the place and the books that mean so much to her, June must finally make some changes to her life. For once, she's determined not to go down without a fight. And maybe, in fighting for her cherished library, June can save herself, too.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Books About Books, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Chick Lit

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2021

About the author

Freya Sampson is the USA Today bestselling author of The Last Chance Library and The Lost Ticket/The Girl on the 88 Bus. She studied history at Cambridge University and worked in television as an executive producer, making documentaries about everything from the British royal family to neighbours from hell. She lives in London with her husband, children and cats. Nosy Neighbours is her third novel.

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson

Thirty year old June Jones gave up her dreams of college, new friends, and a writing career when years ago, her mother was fighting cancer, a battle her mother lost. While her librarian mother was still alive, June became a library assistant, the same job she holds today. Shy, lonely June spends her days at work and her nights and weekends eating alone and reading books, some many times over, while dodging the hisses and swats of her late mom's old cat, Alan Bennett.

Back into town comes old school mate, Alex Chen, and June feels the need to attempt to hide her loneliness, geekiness, and all round failure-ness from Alex, not realizing that Alex admires everything that makes June the person she is today. If only June would give Alex a chance to tell her how he feels but June is too busy running from people and anything resembling a close relationship.

It's when the Chalcot Library is threatened with closure that June realizes that she is about to lose the safe, routine life that she has settled into so easily. Thinking she is devoid of real friends, it's the fight to save the library that is going to wake up June to all that she's had in life and all that she is really on the cusp of losing. But more importantly, June wakes up to what the library has meant to those who need it so much more than she does. This is a quiet, feel good story, that shows the importance of friendship and working together, when the chips are down and things look bleak.

Pub Aug 31, 2021

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Hailey (Hailey in Bookland)]

This was the first book I read after losing my best friend, my cat back home Jackson. I took a bit of a break from reading after that loss and knew I needed something special to get back into it. Having read THE LOST TICKET and loved it so much, I felt like this might be a good place to start. Before I get into the depths of it, I thought it was kind of ironic I guess, but one of the first characters you meet is a little boy named Jackson, and on the cover there’s a little orange-ish cat. The cat in the book is nothing like my Jackson, but it still made me smile a bit, even if it was kind of a sad smile. There is a death in the story and it is emotional at times, the main character is actually dealing with the grief of losing her mother, but it has a really hopeful note throughout which I found was just what I needed. You have a quirky, loveable cast of characters, and a main character that is super sweet and you can’t help but root for. There is a romance but it really was in the background. I wouldn’t call this book a romance because the story focused more on these patrons trying to save their library, and the development of the main character along the way. It’s a story about how important having libraries is, having a love of books is, and having a love of yourself too. I really liked this one a lot overall. It was just what I needed in ways as I deal with my own grief.

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly hell! This book is extremely cute! Sweeter than my favorite Nutella cronut! (At least you don’t pass out because of high sugar level and complain about calories when you read this! ) it’s so fresh, exhilarating, comforting feel good novel! What can go wrong when you decide to read a book about books? Absolutely nothing! It’s one hundred percent satisfaction guaranteed, heartfelt journey makes you laugh so hard but a few pages later you find yourself cry like a whiny toddler! Your feelings are everywhere! But at the end the pure happiness surround your heart and it absolutely puts a permanent smile on your face! It’s amazing feeling you never want to miss it!

You easily get connected to June Jones: 28 years old, introvert, lonely librarian created walls around herself built by books. A great read always takes care of her problems, helping her to travel around different worlds, discovering new places as she’s stuck in a small British village. Once upon a time she was hopeful, energetic girl with full of dreams including discovering new cities, getting education at Cambridge to chase her dreams for becoming a successful author.

But you know what they say: you make plans , God laughs. She procrastinates her big plans after her mother’s illness and takes care of her, getting a job at Chalcot Public Library, following her mother’s career steps. After her mother’s death, she is still living at the same house, full time working at assistant librarian, building a safe cocoon around her.

But now it’s time for her coming out of her shell, standing up for the library which is threatened with closure by council because of budget cuts.

Now it’s time for her to raise her voice and rediscover herself how far she can risk to save the place that saved her from the most painful days of her life.

There are so many quirky, entertaining, lovable character portraits in this book you desperate fall for including fiery Mrs. B, Stanley , Franklin.

Only two things bothered me was instant romance between charming Alex Chang and June and abrupt ending of the book. The romance parts could be developed a little bit and I think the book could be a little longer.

Maybe I loved and invested to the characters so much and I didn’t want to say goodbye to them so suddenly!

Anyways this book truly makes you dream of living a small British town, interacting with eccentric townies, burying your into dusty pages of amazing books, enjoying your pure happiness. I think I can teleport myself anytime if it’s possible!

I’m giving my 4 joy of reading, self discovery, learning to be bold, laughing loud, sentimental, beautiful stars!

So many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing For sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

[Michael David (on hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

A book for book lovers, bibliophiles, and bookworms about book lovers, bibliophiles, and bookworms...and libraries.

June Jones is a library assistant who has never left her hometown. After her mom passed away, June never stopped grieving for her, and still lives in her childhood home (that has “fecal-colored carpet for a bathroom floor”) with her cat, Alan Bennett.

June is socially awkward due to her shyness, and likes to stick to her routines of working at the library during the day, and going home to read in the evenings. The routine breaks when the Chalcot Library is threatened with closure. The library holds a special place in June’s heart because her mother used to work there too and take her there as a kid. It also hold a special place in the hearts of the eccentric patrons.

So, when a few of the patrons start a group called FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library) to save the library and the books that have touched them, June decides to step out of her shell and campaign with them. Not only will this give her a chance to break out of her comfort zone and shine, but she might be able to move past the funk she’s been in and find happiness within herself and with the help of those she lets in.

“...It’s never too late to find your voice...”

What a charming book! I absolutely enjoyed every minute of reading it. Debut author Freya Sampson does a phenomenal job of bringing together a group of characters that are so vastly different from each other, but all lovable in their own way. I really cared about June and the rest of the gang, and wanted nothing more than for her to be happy.

The story is heartwarming and endearing, and just what I needed. It’s humorous, has depth, and even has a bit of romance. I was touched by this sweet book. I laughed, I smiled, and I cried (some of these at the same time).

I highly recommend supporting your local library and checking this book out when it is published on: 8/31/21. 📚

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley for providing with a widget of the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's my closet introvert that really connects to this book. It could also be my part-time job in a library. My rating is higher than many of my dear Goodreads friends and that is due to the tears that this book brought to my eyes. I have witnessed firsthand the library patrons who come in daily to check their email, use our printer, to learn to read, or check out materials. There is a man who we read with 20 minutes a day (before Covid). He still comes by to check out audiobooks and DVDs. We see him every day. Part of his routine is to pick up trash in our parking lot. I found June to be so relatable. I was rooting for her to live up to her own expectations. There are humorous moments as well as heart-wrenching ones. After I finished this book earlier today, I went in for my library shift with a new resolve to meet our patrons where their need is if at all possible. For me, it was inspiring and I will be recommending it to coworkers.

Be sure to check out Freya Sampson's latest title: The Lost Ticket!

[Jayme · Rating 4 out of 5]

June is the quintessential librarian, who loves her job, her anti-social cat, Alan Bennett (named after the British playwright) and her routines-like her weekly takeaway of Chicken in black bean sauce, from the “Golden Dragon”.

She may be quiet, as she shelves the books that she imagines are whispering their stories to each other, but she always remembers her patrons names, associating them with the books they choose to borrow.

So, she is devastated when she learns that the City Council is planning to close the Charcot library where she works, following in her Mother’s footsteps, after she died a few years ago.

The Patrons are outraged as well, and they form a committee called F-O-C-L (pronounced Fock All ) which stands for Friends of Charcot Library, with one goal-to save it from being closed.

They are disappointed that June, won’t join, especially her friend, the dapper Stanley Phelps, but what they don’t know is that she will lose her job if she does. After finally, confessing this to her childhood friend, Alex, who is in town briefly to help his parents run the “Golden Dragon”, they devise a plan for June to help the group secretly.

Code Name: Matilda-named for the fierce, book loving girl from Roald Dahl’s beautifully illustrated children’s book, of the same name.

June learns to find her voice for the first time, with a little help from her friends-but will it be loud enough?

And, will it be in time?

This book started quietly, like June, but by the end, it had packed quite the emotional punch!

A wonderful DEBUT from Freya Sampson, who lives in London with her husband, two children, and her own, antisocial cat! 😼

I would like to thank Elisha at Berkley for providing a gifted ARC through NetGalley!
It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!

Available Now!

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a valuable lesson in reading this book: never read two similarly themed books in close proximity to each other, because like it or not, you’ll compare them. Having just read The Library by Bella Osborne, there were some prominent similarities: They both deal with the imminent threat of closure to the village library and the scrappy villagers’ plans to fight it, they both had younger and older characters bridging the age gap to find common ground and friendship in their united cause, they both had characters with broken family relationships due to a secret past, and they both had mousy, socially-awkward main characters finding their voice to help others and grow individually, to name a few of the bigger ones.

In this case, the main character is thirty-year-old wallflower June Jones (sorry - I can’t help but think of the children’s book series Junie B. Jones about a precocious six-year old, which distracted me a bit). June has lost her mom and is coming to the realization that she has no friends or life experiences outside the little village of Chalcot, where she’s a library assistant. Her days consist of helping library patrons like older members Stanley Phelps, caustic Mrs. B, crotchety Vera, teenager Chantal, bright young Jackson and others. When the city council announces plans to potentially close Chalcot Library, these patrons form a group called FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library, but pronounced “Fock All”) to fight it. Initially told she’ll lose her job if she joins, June stays out of the fray until she comes to terms with her own personal loss if the closure goes through and joins the fight.

There’s so much more to the story, including “mean girl” women from June’s school days, revealing backstories about other characters, a potential romance for June with another old school mate, Alex, but at the end of the book, I just hadn’t connected as I would’ve liked with any of the characters, nor did I find their stories particularly compelling. June is sweet, and it was nice to see her find her voice, and Alex was a great guy, but I didn’t really feel any sparks between them. Other characters, like loud, abrasive Mrs. B, prim and proper Stanley, difficult Vera felt a little too cliché. As for the story, it followed the expected arc with an ending that was wrapped up in an almost comically convenient bow. Had this been a movie, it would feel like one I’d seen way too many times.

I’ll definitely watch for future books by Freya Sampson - it’s an admirable debut effort and well written, but I think my timing was off. Had I read this before or sufficiently distanced from The Library, I think I would’ve better seen it on its own merits. As it stands, it was a perfectly nice story, but not a standout for me.

★★★

Thanks to Berkley Publishing, Netgalley and author Freya Sampson for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. It will be published August 31, 2021.

[Debbie W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, lighthearted read with its typical plot and characters - a young woman (June) tries to save a troubled library/bookshop. She is surrounded by a likeable (and unlikeable!) cast of characters, one, of course, being a potential love interest. Naturally, there are various references to literature, old and new, sprinkled throughout the story, giving a satisfactory feeling to the reader.

Surprisingly, I rather enjoyed this story and looked forward to the next time I could pick it up and read it!
I loved:
- the cozy library setting nestled in the quaint village of Chalcot;
- the quirky library patrons (although Mrs. B. sure could use a filter, especially around the children!);
- the daydream interruptions;
- the funny quips; and,
- the surprises and twists as the story came to an end.

Occasionally, I questioned June's thoughts and reactions, but for the most part, this fluffy, quick read hit the right spot for me!

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I like:
- books about books

Things I don't like:
- British people

In truth I think I was put on this earth in order to balance out the Anglophiles who drink tea (which tastes like hot wet dirt) and wear Union Jack merchandise (red white and blue is a displeasing color palette) and enjoy teen pop sensations with accents way past their prime (I went through it too but let's face it, the golden age has passed).

Anyway. The long and short of it is that while British writers are good and the cities are pretty, contemporary books make me uncomfortable and I hate thinking about their food.

Anyway again: Onto this actual book.

I like these sweet chick-lit-type books (and I know I'm not supposed to call it that) from time to time. There's usually an almost too kind elderly character. A very mean elderly character. A friendly age appropriate male neighbor. Another mean guy or gal who turns out to be a nice guy or gal.

This had all that in spades. The romance was extremely bad, in my opinion, and I've seen the aforementioned cast o'characters done better, but overall this was fine and good.

Minus the Britishness.

Bottom line: Pretty good, even better if you're not a curmudgeon / Anglophobe.
---------------

challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!

ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
ARC 5: unleaving
ARC 6: the other side of luck
ARC 7: romanov
ARC 8: the storm keeper's island
ARC 9: gut check
ARC 10: when force meets fate
ARC 11: sisters in hate
ARC 12: before i disappear
ARC 13: big time
ARC 14: stolen science
ARC 15: have a little faith in me
ARC 16: invitation to a bonfire
ARC 17: the splendor
ARC 18: how to be luminous
ARC 19: the little women cookbook
ARC 20: while we were dating
ARC 21: the lost girls
ARC 22: wait for it
ARC 23: your life has been delayed
ARC 24: a million things
ARC 25: the royals next door
ARC 26: the love hypothesis
ARC 27: we light up the sky
ARC 28: the printed letter bookshop
ARC 29: on location
ARC 30: how rory thorne destroyed the multiverse
ARC 31: the map from here to there
ARC 32: the last chance library

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about small towns and how vital a library can be for many of the residents. It’s also about friendship and the power of a GROUP OF VOICES COMING TOGETHER!!!

The small town Chalcot library is one of a handful of libraries that has been threatened with closure. There is just so much money that the council has to disperse. It’s thought that perhaps a mobile library or volunteer library would provide the residents with the books that they want and/or need.

Of course what they don’t know is how much more a library means to people!

This library is a place to learn and study for a homeschooled child, a place where an immigrant can begin to start a new life with guidance, access to lots of helpful books and the internet. And of course a place for the townspeople to see each other and stay together as a community!!

Led by Mrs. Bransworth, the most outspoken (and I mean that very literally) member of a loyal group of library users, there are petitions, protests and even a “sit in” at the library.

There are some things going on with the council that will come as a surprise to the residents as well as the reader.

As much as I wanted to love this book I found the plot to be rather predictable. The characters were an interesting group and it was great to see June's development as a character.

If you are looking for a cozy book and a light, entertaining read then this might be just the book for you!

This novel is set to publish on August 31, 2021.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely debut novel from Freya Sampson that zeroes in on the central and critical place a local library has within a community, a timely piece of fiction that reflects contemporary British realities where so many libraries have been closed and so many are under threat. The timid and shy 30 year old June Jones lives on the 1960s Willowmead Estate with her hostile anti-social cat, Alan Bennett. She has lived an entirely predictable and routine life since her mother died 8 years ago, she has withdrawn from the world entirely, reading her books, getting the same takeaway from The Golden Dragon, working as a library assistant under her boss, Marjorie Spencer. She shuns all efforts to get her live, socialise and move on by the likes of her mother's friend and neighbour, Linda.

However, June's world begins to shift slowly when her library, along with others, is earmarked for closure and the building set to be sold. She is warned that as a council employee, she is forbidden to take part in or get involved with a protest action group that is has been set up to fight the closure, and at the beginning she adheres to this rule. An old schoolfriend, lawyer Alex Chen arrives in town to help run The Golden Dragon, his father is getting a hip operation, and as June recommends books for him to read, she listens to his advice about her quandry and he tells her to ask herself about a favourite fictional character, what would Roald Dahl's Matilda do? This spurs June to help the FOCL (the Friends of Chalcot Library) campaign, giving advice, information and ideas covertly as Matilda, but when a beloved daily library user, Stanley Phelps starts a sit in protest, she openly joins the protests.

Sampson develops a delightfully diverse set of supporting characters that include the likes of the ferociously feisty Mrs Bransworth, Vera, Chantal, and Marjorie, that captivate as they put their all into trying to prevent the closure of their much wanted library. This is a wonderfully entertaining and engaging read, often so humorous as when June diverts a male stripper to the library. It includes dastardly behind the scenes corruption, powerful forces intent on ensuring that the library closes. This is a book that will appeal to many readers given that it focuses on books and libraries. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a women's fiction book. I have to say at the heart of this book it is about a small town trying to save their cherished library. This book is told to us by June who works in the library, and she is trying to find herself while also trying to help save the library. I have to say I love June so much, and I also love how many different types of people lives in this small town. They also love each other so much. This book as some twists which I really did not see coming, but they are not as shocking as a thriller twist would be. This is a fun and cute read, and I really enjoyed my time reading this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Berkley Books) or author (Freya Sampson) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, albeit fairly predictable story about saving a local library from closure. I'm a sucker for books about books, libraries, and the people who love them, and so I was drawn to this novel for those reasons.

June as a character grated on me for quite a while during my reading of this book. I'm not a fan of weak, simpering females who can't speak in public or stand up for themselves. I was quite annoyed for a long time at her inability to find inner strength to lead a children's program or tell her boss "no" when asked to do something outside of her job that she didn't want to do. Eventually, June does find her voice, but I thought it took way too long for her to get there. The romance storyline was really not needed and I felt like it got in the way because it was so very predictable and cliché.

Other than that, I thought this was a charming story of a heartwarming group of villagers who want to save their library. I loved the humor and the poignancy of the relationships and the camaraderie of this group of individuals who become like a family to each other. The way they fight for their library is what elevates this book and makes it more of a special read.

Overall this is a meaningful tale for book lovers everywhere and worth asking your local library to purchase a copy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[©hrissie ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 astounding stars, rounded down ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨

I know, I KNOW. Who would have thought that a book about a library would FINALLY make its mark? I had half given up on such wishful dreaming myself.

Cheers to Freya Sampson 🥂 for delivering a truly, madly, deeply (com)passionate, diverting and mind-whirling book-lover's dream-book!

---

Memories regulate June's existence. For numberless years she follows in her beloved mother's footsteps as the library assistant at the local Chalcot library, aspiring for nothing more. Sweet, shy, and introverted, June contentedly offers comfort to her regulars, helping to ease their loneliness.

In a special sense, June's trajectory runs parallel to that imposed on Chalcot library. For many years following the tragic death of her mother, Beverley, June's life is at a paralysed standstill, much like the underfunded village library. One feelingly tunes in to the sentiments of loss and grief that sidetrack June from her original intention of going to University and becoming a writer. A missed chance. An ellipsis abruptly interrupted by the destabilising news of the potential library closure that unconsciously bring to the surface a June waiting to happen.

"Save our Chalcot Library" 📢 is what FOCL - the members of Friends of Chalcot Library - wholeheartedly proclaim. Indeed, at the very crux of the story emerges what initially comes across as a tender, small-scale revolution primarily amongst pensioners, with all the tear-jerking and laughter-inducing episodes that ensue, including the mayhem caused by the stripper show at the church hall. Mrs Bransworth's activist streak and general grumpiness is priceless, yet by way of Stanley Phelps' character in particular, the laughter-inducing meets the most heart-rending storyline development. In order to appeal to the media and attempt to defy the council's claims, both old and young must come together and go out of their way to fight a seemingly lost battle tainted with corruption. Do they have what it takes to blow to smithereens this money-making scheme? You need only join our village heroes to find out!

Though not extraordinary in itself, this book sets a new - as yet unparalleled - standard. Its brilliant execution is equal parts fast-paced, heartfelt, purpose-centred and never overdone. Its characters are not only endearing (and perhaps idiosyncratic) but as much protagonists of the story - with a history and a beating heart; a soulful existence - as the Library itself. The literary references are from contemporary fiction and Classics across all genres, and beautifully complement the story. Adding an extra dose of texture and enjoyment is also the Occupation initiated by Stanley - the chapters I read most avidly.

📖📖📖

What are the elements that put other library-themed books virtually to shame?

1. Chalcot library is actually, really and truly, at the heart of this novel, in this aspect so thoroughly unlike many other books that set similar claims;

2. the meaningfulness of the Library is delved into on a very human level and goes hand in hand with the central theme of community life;

3. the narrative is refreshingly unpredictable, in itself a fairly unprecedented feat within the genre. It pleasantly keeps the reader on edge and fully immersed in the unfolding of events; in fact, the latter half of the story is a bit of a rollercoaster ride that generates a plethora of jumbled emotions, intense ups and downs;

4. it adds layers of meaning through characterisation and the sum of events, keeping credibility and a pervading sense of humanity in full focus;

5. it may be defined as a romance only on a very secondary level - even in terms of June's specific story progression, it is more of an adapted coming-of-age of sorts.

In relation to these points, worth mentioning is also the genesis of the story, as established in the Author's Note. Sampson writes that her hope is for people to be "reminded of just how important our libraries are: a refuge for some, a lifeline to the world for others, and a place of books and companionship for all of us." ❤️ Not an overly ambitious storyline, then, but a genuine, heartfelt and heartwarming story that will sweetly invite its readers to leisurely reside in the simple magic of its pages 📖.


📖📖📖


This book calls for celebration 🏆. Though by no means will I attest to it somehow constituting the emblematic manifestation of this arising genre - who knows what books we shall welcome into the world next week, month, year - I will do it the justice it deserves by underlining that it is fairly one of a kind in the way it does far more justice to the world of books and libraries than any other analogous storyline I have encountered. 

[La Crosse County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you need a break from the heavier stuff. This is the perfect, feel-good escapist fiction for the shorter, grayer days of autumn and winter. And it's a book about libraries and our heroine is a librarian.

A community bonds together to save a beloved local library. What's not to love? Perfect for everyone who loves books, community, and libraries!

Happy reading!

-Cora

Find this book and other titles within our catalog.

[Chelsea (chelseadolling reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was very sweet! Not a favorite for me, but I did really enjoy the writing itself so I'm looking forward to reading more from Freya Sampson.

CW: death of a loved one, terminal illness (cancer)

[Julie Durnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found June Jones an insipid, almost pathetic, young woman. The library patrons and employees for the most part were disagreeable and foul-mouthed. I got about half way through and skimmed the rest-this was not for me. Even all the book mentions couldn't raise my opinion and rating.

[Sujoya - theoverbookedbibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming story!

Twenty eight year old June has been working as a library assistant at the local Chalcot Library ever since her mother passed away from cancer almost ten years ago .Abandoning her own dreams of attending university and becoming a writer, June has never stepped out of Chalcot and maintains a very predictable (boring) routine of work and home surrounding herself with books and memories in the home she shared with her mother. Her late mother who worked in the same library as a librarian instilled in June a love for books and her place of work. Timid and shy she does not have many friends and her interactions are limited to her long time neighbor and the regular patrons of the library who are an interesting ,often trying, bunch of people with whom she is patient and kind.

When her beloved library is threatened with closure June bands with this group of friends to protest the closure even at the risk of losing her job. The fact that libraries are so much more than just a place to borrow or read books but a vital part of community is the message that pervades this novel. As the story progresses we see how June overcomes her shyness and grows into a more confident version of herself and takes control of her life .

With a delightful cast of characters and the right blend of sentiment, humor and wisdom Freya Sampson's The Last Chance Library is an entertaining, feel-good novel with much warmth and cheer. I started this after a few 'heavy' reads and it was just what I needed. For those of us who love to read books about books and libraries, this novel is a treat!

[حبيبة · Rating 3 out of 5]

"لم أفعل بحياتي أي شيء يُذكر. منذ وفاة أمي وأنا أغلق بابي عليّ مختبئةً بين الكتب القديمة نفسها، حتى لا أضطر للخروج ومواجهة العالم الحقيقي."

جون شابة بتشتغل أمينة مكتبة في بلدة صغيرة.. عايشة لوحدها بعد وفاة أمها اللي كانت بتشتغل أمينة في نفس المكتبة.. جون كانت متعلقة بيها جدًا وحياتها واقفة من يوم ما ماتت..
جون انطوائية ووحيدة وخجولة، شخصيتها ضعيفة مبتعرفش تقول "لا"، عديمة الثقة بنفسها ودائمة الهروب من الحياة والتفكير والمواجهة..

"أدركت جون وهي ترتعد، أن إنجاز حياتها يتمثل في جملة حزينة واحدة أنها اشتغلت في مكتبة، وتوفيت أمها. هذا هو الملخص الوافي لسنواتها الثماني والعشرين، الشاهد البائس الذي من شأنه أن يُنقش على قبرها."

لكن بييجي قرار من المجلس المحلي إن المكتبة لازم تتقفل.. يا ترى رد فعل جون هيكون ايه؟ هل هتختار تسكت وتتجنب المواجهة وتسلم بالأمر الواقع كما هو متوقع منها؟ ولا هتتشجع وتقاوم وتتمسك بالمكتبة؟
هذا ما سوف نعرفه في الرواية..

رواية خفيفة ممتعة، فيها كلام كتير عن الكتب والروايات ودور المكتبة اللي هو دايمًا أكبر بكتير من مجرد مكان للكتب.. في الرواية كل أصدقاء المكتبة مرتبطين بيها جدًا.. طفل مكملش ٨ سنين لسه بيبدأ يقرأ ويتعرف على العالم.. طالبة محتاجة المكتبة كمكان للمذاكرة.. مهاجرة جديدة بتحاول تندمج مع المجتمع عن طريق المكتبة.. عجوز وحيد مشرد ملوش حد في حياته غير أصدقاء المكتبة.. هم دول اللي هيقاوموا قرار الإغلاق ويعملوا كل حاجة ممكنة عشان تفضل المكتبة مفتوحة حتى لو هيعرضوا نفسهم للخطر..

"ما يضايقني في حكاية المجلس وتهديده إن ما لن يدركه هؤلاء الاستشاريون المتخصصون في علوم الإدارة، بآلاتهم الحاسبة وجداولهم الإلكترونية، هو أن المكتبة شيء أكبر بكثير من الكتب. إن المكتبة أشبه ما تكون بشبكة الأمان، شبكة ممدودة كي تحمي هؤلاء المعرضين لخطر السقوط من بين الشقوق. وهذا هو ما نناضل من أجل حمايته."❤️

التحول في شخصية جون كان متوقع ومنطقي.. الحقيقة هي محظوظة بكل الناس الجميلة اللي حواليها.. مجموعة من العلاقات البشرية غاية في اللطف ودايمًا بيقدموا دعم ومساعدة بلا مقابل، وبدون سبب غير حبهم الصادق لجون ورغبتهم إنهم يشوفوها عايشة بطريقة أفضل وبتستمتع بحياتها..

طبعًا من أهم القضايا اللي الرواية بتناقشها فكرة قلة الاهتمام بالكتب والمكتبات.. فبقت من وجهة نظر المسؤولين حاجة ملهاش لازمة، وبقوا يفضلوا الاتجاه نحو أماكن الترفيه الاستهلاكية اللي ملهاش قيمة حقيقية بس بتجيب فلوس.. فرع جديد من سلسلة كافيهات مشهورة مثلًا.. ودا فكرني باللي بيحصل عندنا، أي مكان واسع فيه أشجار بقى بيتحول في ظروف غامضة لمجموعة مطاعم وكافيهات وبنزينة (اختياري) .. لحد ما الشوارع بقت كلها شبه بعض والأماكن الحلوة المميزة فعلًا بقت تتعد على صوابع الايد..

نرجع للرواية.. مش قادرة أحدد النهاية عجبتني ولا لا، حاساها معتمدة على الصدف بطريقة مبالغ فيها.. هو أكيد كنت أحب أشوف نهاية سعيدة يعني بس مش نهاية مثالية أوي كدا..

"إذا تعلمنا درسًا واحدًا من حياة ستانلي، فهو أن الأوان لا يفوت أبدًا حتى تجد صوتك الخاص، وتقف لتطلقه عاليًا ضد الظلم. لأنه لو حظي كل منا بقدر ولو ضئيل من شجاعة ستانلي وإنسانيته، لصار عالمنا هذا مكانًا أفضل بكثير."

معرفش ليه كتبت كتير كدا رغم إن الرواية متوسطة يعني مش بهذه الروعة، لكني استمتعت بيها بصراحة وكانت بتونسني وبتمنعني من الانهيار العصبي أثناء ساعتين قطع الكهربا :)

[Samantha · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to preface this review by saying I totally agree with the heart of this story. Your local public library is incredibly important to your community, whether you know it or not. It's more than just a place to check out books, they offer vital services such as job seeking assistance, voting registration, community club meeting spaces, free bathrooms, and is one of the last public spaces left where you can hang out indoors without having to buy something or justify being there. Donate to your local public library, visit your local public library, support the libraries!!! This is a cause near and dear to my heart, so I would have hoped that this book about a public library in danger and the community that came together to save it would have been good.

It was not. To start with, the main character in incapable of seeing further than her own nose. Her problems are the only thing that matters and she's so insufferable I almost didn't read further than the first chapter. The second issue I took is that the author routinely describes characters in the book using characters from other books! It's lazy writing. It's so so lazy writing. And the MC judges people based on her perceived taste of their books. It puts a bad taste in my mouth about libraries. Also classic pitfalls include a romantic subplot that could have been solved in two seconds if anyone bothered to FUCKING TALK TO EACH OTHER, as well as the writing violation of "show don't tell". Also there was a subplot about homelessness which a) dude had a home even if it wasn't what some people might consider 'nice' and b) could have been used to pivot to talk about WHY libraries are so important!!!!

EDIT: WAIT not to mention the STUPID sub-plot about how women are so catty and awful to one another!!!!!! I will spoil this for you, but she goes to a bachelorette party where some of the girls make fun of her for being a virgin at 28! No one cares that you're a virgin when you're twenty eight!!! I'm twenty-eight, we are too old for that shit. Maybe immature people might have been fussed when you're twenty or whatever, but when you're almost thirty, that shit does not matter anymore!!!!! For fucks sake!!!! Stop pitting women against each other and stop perpetuating shame! Jesus!

AND!! Despite the fact that this girl may have been mean to you in grade school does NOT excuse the fact you go to her wedding, totally ruin it by causing a huge scene, which culminates in the girl's parent's divorce!!!!! What the fuuuuckkkkkk

I wanted to like this book. It's clear it's a debut novel. I wish I hadn't read it because I'm mad about how much better it should have been than it was. This review is probably a little harsh but again, I have strong feelings about libraries.

[Ellery Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet read filled with lovely references to the daily life of a small-town library. My favorite thing about the book is that it reminds us how much communities treasure (and need) their libraries. The villains are somewhat two-dimensional but also fun to hate. Sometimes, characters like that are a great place to direct our negativity ;) I would have rated this one higher if based on its minor characters, but I struggled to root for the MC, June Jones. I can sympathize with shy, hurt, and introverted characters, but I'm not a fan of female doormats. June allowed herself to be manipulated and mistreated too often, and when she finally shows a glimpse of spine, she attempts to imitate one of the most beloved characters in children's literature—Roald Dahl's Matilda. However, Matilda's little shoes are too big for June to fill. Also, I felt that the romance element was unconvincing. However, all book lovers will find wonderful quotes and book references sprinkled throughout the novel, and for those readers fond of endings tied up with a bow, this book delivers a very happy ending indeed.

[Susanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictably Cute and oh so Heartwarming.

If you’re looking for a book to make you laugh and smile, The Last Chance Library is it.

June Jones is a Library Assistant who has never stepped out of her comfort zone. Moving back home many moons ago to take care of her ailing mother, who has since passed away, June has never truly lived or done anything with her life. The Chalcot Library is everything to her, as are the patrons.

When the town threatens to close the library, everyone is up in arms. A campaign called FOCL (Friends of Chalcot Library) is then started to save it.

This, of course, gives June a chance. A chance to do something, to make a difference, and to find herself.

The Last Chance Library was a sweet, heartwarming novel that was just what I needed during difficult times.

Thanks to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group for the arc.


Review posted to blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend... and to Goodreads and Twitter.

[Kezia Duah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now Sampson, I don’t know much about professionalism, but I think it would have been appropriate to ask my permission before you wrote about a character that was obviously inspired by me.

Anyways, this was super heartwarming. It was definitely a love letter to librarians and bookworms and literally, why is it always so fun reading about characters who love to read?

June honestly had one of the best character development I’ve ever read. From being timid and shy to standing up for what she loves. We love to see it! This book is also a sign to befriend an old man who hopefully has some cash lying around. Too far?

Also I hope Mrs. B has some sort of health insurance. Why? Because she obviously needs to get her back checked from carrying this book.

Great job Sampson!

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet contemporary novel about a young library assistant, June, who's working in small village library in England.
When there's talk about closing the library due to, what else, money problems, a group of library users, most of them elderly, put together a campaign to protest the closure.
The shy June, who's been sort of in a trance, has to step up, speak up and take action.

Despite its predictability, I still enjoyed this novel, as it showcased the importance of libraries as community hubs, places where the lonely can find company, the poor a warm/ cold place to use during opening hours and so much more. Public libraries are some of the few places where money is not needed. If that's not reason enough to fight for libraries, I don't know what is.

[Dalia Nourelden · Rating 3 out of 5]

"المكتبة أكبر بكثير من الكتب . إن المكتبة أشبه
ما تكون بشبكة الأمان ، شبكة ممدودة كي تحمي هؤلاء المعرضين لخطر السقوط من بين الشقوق . "

جون أمينة المكتبة شخصية خجولة وهادئة وتخاف الحديث أمام الآخرين ، تذهب للمكتبة منذ طفولتها مع والدتها ثم تبدأ العمل بها مع مرض والدتها وتستمر فيها حتى بعد وفاة والدتها ثم يأتي قرار بغلق المكتبة فماذا ستفعل جون وباقي رواد المكتبة لمكافحة هذا القرار !؟


رواية عن المكتبة والمكتبات وأهميتها خاصة المكتبات العامة التي تسمح للقراءة وقضاء وقت بها وإمكانية إستعارة الكتب و ما تتيحه هذه المكتبات من خدمات وأهميتها . رواية عن الصداقة التي تنشأ بين الشخصيات ، عن الأحلام المفقودة .
رواية خفيفة ولطيفة تصلح كفاصل لذيذ .

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[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

When city officials decide to close the local library because of financial shortfalls, an unlikely group of book lovers combine forces to try and stop the closure.

This is a charming story that celebrates libraries and reading— with likeable characters, whose kindness, friendship, support, and love bring life changing results.

Thank you to author Freya Sampson, Berkeley Books (an imprint of Penguin Random House), and First Look Book Club for giving me the opportunity to read this enjoyable book!

[Nika · Rating 4 out of 5]

дуже мила казочка, най буде!
і екранізація чудово би підійшла цій книзі ❤️

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy and heartwarming, but not quite what I expected.

At the core, this is a story about a community working together to save a library. The main character, June Jones, is also trying to find her way as she struggles with overcoming the death of her mother. Simple, heartwarming (for the most part), and idealistic.

This started out as a 4-star read but fizzled. By the end I was glad I read this story, but didn't like it as much as I'd expected to.

[Nada Elshabrawy · Rating 4 out of 5]

رواية لطيفة تصلح لليلة شتوية هادئة.

[Kristin (KC)]

A story about books and bookshops + a reclusive, book-loving heroine to whom I can already deeply relate = a definite read for me! Can’t wait to get my hands on this one <3