The Joy of Libraries

When was the last time you visited yours?

Photo by Pauline Andan on Unsplash

I still remember the feeling of filling my arms with books at my local library as a child, taking them up to the counter and watching the librarian stamp the inside page. My library card clutched in my hand I held a passport to the whole word. Then that rush of excitement as the books were handed back to me to take home. For free!

Over the years, signing up to my local library is one of the first things I’ve always done whenever I’ve moved to a new place. I signed my son up for his own library card when he was six weeks old.

But libraries are easy to overlook. Often situated in nondescript buildings and clad in that most universal of blue carpet that is only found in schools and municipal buildings, they can blend into the background of our high streets. But like so many things that are easy to take for granted, the gap that would be left if libraries weren’t there would be vast.

Where else can you access information, support and stories for free? Search for vital information online, study in peace, read in a quiet corner where you know you won’t be rushed to leave? Or simply somewhere to shelter from the rain for a moment if you have nowhere else to go.

I’m not sure that most readers know this, but authors in the UK and Ireland earn a small amount every time someone borrows their book from a library via the Public Lending Right scheme. As a reader you can also request a copy of a specific book if you can’t find it on the shelves.

Readers often appear a little sheepish when they say they read a copy of my book via their library rather than buying it, but my message to all readers would always be to support your library.

They are wondrous, magical places and as both a reader and an author I strongly believe they are worth cherishing.

Since having my son I’ve been visiting my local library more than ever. For the story time sessions, the endless board books, the wooden book train he loves to climb and for the sense of community. That feeling that here is a place that is always warm, dry and quiet and full of the comfort of endless stories perhaps a bit like mine or so different that they can open my eyes and transport me elsewhere.

If I’m having a bad day, I know a trip to the library will help. I am absolutely always made to feel welcome, because that’s just what libraries do.

Which was why I was so disappointed to see a loud minority protesting outside my library today while a Drag Queen Story Hour session was taking place inside. I thought the idea of a drag queen delivering a story session was inspired on so many levels – for being fun, unique and creative and perhaps most importantly for offering an alternative role model for so many children who might grow up otherwise not feeling represented.

After seeing the protestors I sent a message of support to my library, thanking them for putting on an LGBTQ+ friendly event. It is so important to me that my son grows up knowing he can be whoever he likes and being inclusive and tolerant towards others. Stories are such a brilliant medium for sharing these messages and libraries are the perfect venues in which to have these conversations and celebrate all our wonderful differences.

Libraries should be for everyone. Libraries are for everyone.

If it’s been a while since you stepped inside your own library I urge you to take a visit. You might be surprised by the range of resources on offer (mine runs dozens of clubs and activities). And I feel certain that you will be made to feel as though you belong. Isn’t that all anyone wants, after all? Space to be themselves. A library invites you to settle yourself on the blue carpet with a pile of books on your lap while whispering a quiet, reassuring message: you are welcome here.

Books that feature libraries

• The Giver of Stars, Jojo Moyes

• The Library of Lost and Found, Phaedra Patrick

• The Reading List, Sara Nisha Adams

• The Paris Library, Janet Skeslien Charles

• The Midnight Library, Matt Haig

• Lucy’s Little Village Book Club, Emma Davies

• The Library, Bella Osborne

What are your fondest library memories? And what do you love most about your local library?