Read with MLC: A "Library" Book

Welcome to April, and the fourth month of the Read with MLC 2025 Reading Challenge! This month's goal is to read a book set in a library or about a librarian... a "library" book, if you will. Next week marks the 67th annual National Library Week with the theme "Drawn to the Library!" It's a celebration of all the things that librarians do and all the services our libraries offer to our communities. Have you ever wondered what exactly we do? (I promise you, we don't get to read all day, no matter how much we might want to.) Check out MLC's page on the Institute of Museum and Library Service's website to learn more. You can also wander on over to your local public library. There's one nearby; here's where to find them. They would love to welcome you through their doors so you can browse their books, use their computers, and participate in a variety of programs. We promise: you'll be drawn to them. And no matter what, check out our staff's suggestions of "library" books to read this month for our reading challenge.

In the Ditch and Second Class Citizen
Buchi Emecheta
These two semi-autobiographical novels were written by Emecheta in the late 1960s and early 1970s. They provide a captivating glimpse into the life of a young Nigerian woman who moves to London, raises, a family, and works in a library. I don't remember where I first ran across them, but I've read and enjoyed them several times.
-Elisabeth Scott, Reference Librarian

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
Grady Hendrix
This book features a rascally bookmobile librarian who tries to lure the main character into witchcraft. Grady Hendrix's books are always the right amount of spooky, and the librarian does a lot of good for the girls who live in the Wellwood Home (aside from the whole witchcraft thing and also causing a torrent of rocks to rain down on the house).
-Alex Brower, Information Services Director

The Library Book
Susan Orlean
MLC
BARD
My fave is definitely The Library Book by Orlean. I read it leading up to my decision to apply to library school. Even though I knew nothing about the LA library fire beforehand, I found myself getting completely sucked into the book and read it in two days. It has a really good mix of true crime and personal stories. Clearly it worked, because I applied to library school not long after.
-Maddie Klutts, Reference and Archives Librarian

Looking for a different "library" book? Check out MLC's BookMatch service! Fill out our short form telling us about your reading likes and dislikes; we'll send you a list of suggested reads tailored to your tastes. Until next time, happy reading! 

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian