Libraries are the important physical location where community teams up with the power of books, creativity, and education. Here are a few books that celebrate these magical spaces and their influence on the world.

Picture Books

Stacey’s Remarkable Books by Stacey Abrams

This bright and fun book follows Stacey introducing a new friend to the library where together they start a book club that celebrates other languages and cultures along with friendship and trying new things. 

No Cats in the Library by Lauren Emmons

A cat who loves the pictures in books is determined to get access to the Library. How will she convince the librarian that she should be allowed to enjoy the books as well?

The Library Book by Tom Chapin

This fun book follows a little girl singing a song about how she is spending her rainy day going to the library. It features many popular book characters and has a great rhythm that keeps the story moving.

The New LiBEARian by Alison Donald

When it’s time for storytime and the librarian has gone missing, Dee and her friends search the library and find a bear instead! This humorous picture truly brings books to life.

The Loud Librarian by Jenna Beatrice

Penelope is very excited to be this week’s class librarian, but she struggles with her “library voice.” This fun book follows Penelope as she takes on her role as librarian and finds how she fits in at the library while being true to herself.

Abuela’s Library by Lisette Norman

Alfonso and his Abuela’s favorite tree is cut down because it is dying, and they decide to make it into a library. This beautiful book is about community, determination, and turning something horrible into something amazing. 

Bunny’s Book Club by Annie Silvestro

When Bunny overheard the librarian’s outdoor storytime, he fell in love with books. This adorable picture book follows bunny as he falls in love with reading, shares that love with his friends, and learns how to use the library.

Nonfiction

The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq by Jeanette Winter

Jeanette Winter tells the true story of Alia Muhammad Baker, a librarian in Iraq amidst a war in 2003. When the city of Basra was invaded, Baker was able to save 70% of the collection before the library burned to the grown nine days later. This emotive book describes the realities of war while still being appropriate for children and emphasizing the unifying power of books and learning. 

Digging for Words: José Alberto Gutiérrez and the Library He Built by Angela Burke Kunkel

This book follows José Alberto Gutiérrez, the founder of the first library in the La Nueva Gloria barrio in Bogotá, Colombia. This beautiful narrative incorporates Spanish words seamlessly and discusses the power of books and libraries’ abilities to build community.

All about Librarians by Brianna Kaiser

The characters of Sesame Street introduce readers to librarians, their jobs, and libraries.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise

This biography follows Pura Belpré, who was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York City in 1921. Soon, she became a bilingual assistant at the New York Public Library, where she would retell the folktales from Puerto Rico. In order to share her stories, she soon became a puppeteer and author as well, and her work is now celebrated with a yearly award by the American Library Association. This inspiring story emphasizes the importance of seeing yourself reflected in books and at the library while displaying the difference that a person can make.

Graphic Novels

The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln

In Lincoln’s world set at the New York Public Library, books are magical and require night librarians to tame their forces. When twins Reed and Paige accidentally set off a magical upheaval where characters are set free from their books, adventure ensues. This book is filled with iconic characters and underscores the power of books and family. 

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library: the Graphic Novel by Chris Grabenstein

After twelve years without, Alexandriaville is getting a new library! Mr Lemoncello, a famous game designer and the library’s benefactor, has chosen twelve seventh graders to compete in games escaping the library for its grand opening. This adventure-filled book is full of fun and literary references.

Chapter Books

The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon

Eleven-year-old Dally doesn’t want to run Peteharrington Enterprises, despite her mother’s wishes. She is grieving the loss of her grandfather, who encouraged her love of adventure. When Dally opens an envelope from her late Grandpa, she finds a map to an enchanted library, taking her on an mystery-filled adventure through time and her family’s secret history.

Property of the Rebel Librarian by Allison Varnes

When June’s protective parents decide one of her books is inappropriate, they first go through her personal books before going after books in the school’s library and having the school librarian suspended. This funny chapter book starts important discussions about book banning, censorship, and activism.

The Forbidden Library by Django Wexler

When Alice moves in with her long-lost uncle, he tells her that the library is forbidden. When she gives in to temptation and opens a book, she finds herself trapped inside it! This fast-paced book is full of adventure and wit.

I hope this list helped you find a fun, new read!

-Alyssa