Winchester Cathedral Close

Winchester Cathedral Close: Its Historical and Literary Associations by John Vaughan, 275 pages

This is not a history of the cathedral itself, but of the monastic enclosure that surrounded it for centuries prior to the Reformation, elements of which survive to this day.  John Vaughan, a resident canon in the early years of the 20th century, follows these traces through to his own time, covering not only the buildings but also the flora and fauna of the cathedral precincts, as well as the scriptorium and the library collection.

Vaughan's intimate knowledge of his surroundings breathes a special vitality into what might otherwise be a very dry work, at times suggesting the sweet odour of contemplation that once incensed the air here.  Few, perhaps, will care about details of the alterations to the undercroft, but anyone looking for a testament of love of place will be enchanted.

The Library of Lost & Found

 The Library of Lost & Found by Phaedra Patrick  348 pages

Summary from Goodreads: Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people - though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her superhero-themed notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she's invisible.

All of that changes when a book of fairy tales arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her best friend - her grandmother Zelda - who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda's past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.

And here's what I thought: I liked this story, even though I could predict a few things with the plot. There are realistic characters here, some of them pretty quirky (which I like) and the setting of the library and bookstore added to the story's charm. The stories within this book are a bit sad, so it's an interesting way to tell the story overall, with these smaller stories from Zelda's book, interspersed. What's also interesting is the way that you learn things along with Martha. For example, she's not sure if Zelda is actually who she thinks she is, and then she's discovering what happened (because clearly, Zelda is very much alive).  Enjoyable weekend read.

STREAMLINED LIBRARY PROGRAMMING: HOW TO IMPROVE SERVICES AND CUT COSTS

by Daisy Porter-Reynolds

https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1438503116

128 pages

Reviewed by Rae C.

Porter-Reynolds just joined SLPL, so, of course, I had to read her book- even though I do not work in youth services! (I do read a lot of business books though, and anything with the words "cut costs" interests me!) 

Much of the book centers on Porter-Reynolds experience streamlining storytime programming, and it is very thorough. This book could easily serve as a template and step by step guide for any multi-branch library. 

I enjoyed her assessments of staff, especially her "green, yellow, and red" characterizations, based on traffic light colors. Greens are mostly younger librarians, eager to try new things, that haven't become entrenched in possibly outdated patterns and modes of doing things. The Yellows will sometimes be with you, and sometimes not, depending on the project. Yellows can turn green, or turn red. Reds are against you. They want things to remain the same, or view any change as challenging or competition. Likely they have a history of resisting changes, and viewing change pessimistically. 

I also enjoyed reading all of her illustrative vignettes, especially stories of streamlining storytime while San Jose was going through bankruptcy and the library system was challenged. 

Porter-Reynolds is a true leader, and I think she will be an invigorating burst of new energy to St. Louis, while also being observant and respectful of treasured traditions and elders. 

It's a fast read, and not academically dense. Very practical manual. Highly recommend to anyone working in a library!

The Library Book

The Library Book by Susan Orlean    310 pages

"On the morning of April 28, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?"

I was really excited when my hold arrived for this book --- the waiting list was long, and is still long.  Now that I have read it, I feel like this is definitely a book I'm going to buy for myself --- not only to share with my family, but so I can have my own copy to put post-it notes and notes in.  This is a fascinating and entertaining read!!!  

I had never known about this fire until I read about this book.  Admittedly, in April of 1986, I was at boarding school in Wisconsin and while I sometimes would read the newspapers in the library, I didn't make a habit of it until around 1988.  I did, though, ask my husband if he knew about the fire, since he had attended boarding school, as well, but in Los Angeles, and would have been there in 1986.  He said he had a vague recollection, but he never went to that library.  Considering the news about the Chernobyl disaster eclipsed any news about the library, I guess I'm not too surprised.

I really enjoyed how the author went back in forth in time, so you would get a clear picture of the library today and the people who work there, but then you also get the history of the library and all the people who in charge of it up until the day of the fire. Her descriptions of the fire are horrifying, yet fascinating.  I started reading parts of this book out loud to my husband . . . until I just gave up and told him I'd buy the book eventually and he'd have to read it.  Just a great book!!


I will note that I'm sure the author has had many, many comments from librarians on the part in the book where she writes about a library clerk who plans to go to library school --- and it's a good living, because starting salaries are $60K.  Um, that must be nice.  I don't know many places where that's a starting salary for an entry-level librarian position . . . 

Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race

Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race by Chris Grabenstein, 279 pages

In this newest adventure about Mr. Lemoncello, he has devised a new fact finding game for his trustees.  While the kids run around the country looking for the fun facts, trying to win the game, someone is planting evidence to try and discredit Mr. Lemoncello and steal his newest game idea.  Unless Kyle and his friends can prove Mr. Lemoncello’s innocence he may lose his library, and worse, his reputation.  I don’t know how Grabenstein can make each Lemoncello book better than the last, but he does.  I loved the latest book and hope that more are on the way.  Kids who like humor and adventure, not to mention mysteries and puzzles, will love this book and the others in the series.

THE MORTAL WORD

THE MORTAL WORD by Genevieve Cogman

433  pages

https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1423249116#

Reviewed by Rae C.

The fifth book in the Invisible Library series, and the best one so far!

There are multiple worlds, and in each there are different levels of technology (order, ruled by Dragons) and magic (chaos, ruled by The Fae).  Each earth has different versions of the same stories, reflecting the different development and history of that particular world. 

The Library exists at the center of all the worlds, and is outside of time.  By collecting the different versions of stories, the Library keeps the worlds bound together.  Also Librarians are able to speak The Language, and therefore in each world have a power different from either Fae or Dragon.  The Language is a pure command, the essence of all earth languages on all the different versions of earth. For example, if a Librarian commands water to boil in The Language, the water will boil.

There is an ongoing conflict between Dragon and Fae, and neither species can tolerate too much of the other. So Fae suffer in the order of Dragon worlds. And Dragons lose strength in chaotic Fae worlds filled with magic and Story.  (The Fae themselves are dominated by Story.  In fact, sometimes they are bound by the rules of the Story and/or their characters.  Both this book and The Masked City display this feature of Fae power.)

In this book there is a peace conference underway between Dragon and Fae, and the Librarians are officiating.  The main protagonist, Irene Winters, is currently Librarian in Residence in a world that is steampunk, and at roughly the 1920's in its timeline. One of her companions is a real life Sherlock Holmes, named Peregrine Vale.  (In some worlds Sherlock Holmes is not just a story.)  Her other companion is a Dragon Prince, Kai Strongrock.

All three of them are summoned to the top secret peace conference after a Dragon is murdered.  The conference and peace in all the worlds is in jeopardy.  Like the other four books, this is a great adventure, with "unguessable" twists and turns.  Cogman always has something up her sleeve!

I especially enjoyed the interim with Vale's POV.  This is the first time there has been a POV other than Irene's.  My understanding is this series grew partly out of the author's love of Sherlock Holmes (as well as Dungeons and Dragons), so to have Vale highlighted was a treat! In fact, Irene's name was chosen from Irene Adler in Conan Doyle's "Silk Stocking." Cogman did a good job of recreating a solid Sherlock Holmes in an unfamiliar world ruled by Fae and Dragons, and powered by ether.

The alternate Paris the story is set in retains all of the history of our worlds' Paris, and includes a very exciting scene in the Grand Guignol.  And the added spectacle of the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory, running the show.

Kind of sorry I finished it so fast because now it is another long year of waiting for book six!!!

Ink And Bone

Ink And Bone by Rachel Caine, 355 pages

“In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.…  Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly--but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family's spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library's service. When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life--and soon both heretics and books will burn.…” I love this series so far.  I can’t wait for the next book.  Teens who like alternate history, dystopia and fantasy will love this.

The Archived

The Archived by Victoria Schwab, 321 pages

“Imagine a place where the dead rest on shelves like books. Each body has a story to tell, a life seen in pictures that only Librarians can read. The dead are called Histories, and the vast realm in which they rest is the Archive. Mackenzie Bishop is a ruthless Keeper, tasked with stopping often-violent Histories from waking up and getting out. Now someone is deliberately altering Histories, erasing essential chapters. Unless Mac can piece together what remains, the Archive itself might crumble and fall.” This was an amazing book.  Any teen who likes fantasy should read it.

The Strange Library

The Strange Library  by Haruki Murakami   96 pages

The innovative format and the creative illustrations throughout prompted me to explore this small-styled book. After returning his library books, a boy is sent to Room 107 in search of other titles. There he's trapped by a bald old librarian, guarded by a Sheep Man, fed by a voiceless girl, and forced to memorize three books about the Ottoman tax system for insidious purposes. Make no mistake, this is an insidious adult story, regardless of its fun presentation. If you liked Miyazaki’s 2001 animated feature, Spirited Away, then you will appreciate this novelty…but I hated that movie…say no more…

Posted By:   Regina C.  

Who Could that Be at This Hour?

Who Could That Be at This Hour? by Lemony Snicket     258 pages

The adventure began in a fading town. Far from anyone he knew or trusted, a young Lemony Snicket started an apprenticeship for a secret organization shrouded in mystery and secrecy. He asked questions that shouldn't have been on his mind. Now he has written an account that should not be published that shouldn't be read. Not even by you. Seriously, we recommend that you do NOT ask your parents for this, the first book in his new ALL THE WRONG QUESTIONS series.

This was a re-read for me. I haven't yet finished this series and I only read the first two books, so in order to refresh my memory before reading the last two, I wanted to revisit the first and second book of this series. It's a play at noir fiction for kids. I love the setting, the characters, and the absurd/strange mystery surrounding the town of Stained by the Sea. Lemony Snicket was one of my favorite authors to read as I was growing up, so it's nice to return (somewhat) to the world of A Series of Unfortunate Events, this time following the author of the series - Lemony - at the beginning of his career. Full of humor and an oddball cast of characters, this book is a hoot and a half.

The Card Catalog

The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures by Library of Congress (Compilation), Carla Hayden (Foreword), Peter Devereaux.  224 pages

It's hard for a librarian to resist this book about the card catalog, but I think loads of book lovers would find it an interesting and fun read.  I mean, right at the beginning, there's a little pocket with a card in it!  This book has more than 200 full-color images of original catalog cards, first edition book covers, photos from the Library of Congress archives, and a ton of information about libraries and the first cataloging systems up to the modern day.  I found I was enjoying all the photos, but definitely learned some new things.  For example, I didn't know that Thomas Jefferson adapted his cataloging scheme from Sir Francis Bacon's classification that started with the categories of Memory, Reason and Imagination.*  Jefferson did later modify these to History, Philosophy and Fine Arts (although I think he would have kept the category of Imagination if he ever knew there would be Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman and other authors to come along).

This book is filled with interesting bits of information and some pretty cool photos. I liked the page about "Library Hand," a script that was taught to librarians so that all catalog cards were legible and had a standard appearance.  I feel like I should make that my next New Year's resolution: learn Library Hand (and improve my sometimes messy scribbling).  Fun book!

* I totally think this would be a cool way to organize my personal collection.  Memory = History, Reason = other nonfiction and Imagination = all fiction.

This Is What a Librarian Looks Like

This Is What a Librarian Looks Like: A Celebration of Libraries, Communities, and Access to Information by Kyle Cassidy, Ronald Rice (Editor), Richard Russo (Goodreads Author) (Foreword), Emily St. John Mandel (Goodreads Author) (Afterword)     240 pages.

Of course I picked up this book! Partly because I knew it was being published and partly because I remember what a few people told me when I started library school: "But you don't look like a librarian!"  Since then, I've picked up some pencil skirts and cardigans so I'm sure I fit their stock image a little better now.

This book stems from a photo essay published on Slate.com by author and photographer Kyle Cassidy in 2014. It was a montage of portraits and a general tribute to librarians. Since then, he has made it his mission to remind people how essential libraries and librarians are to our communities. This book has all kinds of people in it, women and men of all ages, background and personal style. Each person share their personal thoughts on what it means to be a librarian, and there are also original essays by Neil Gaiman, Cory Doctorow, Nancy Pearl and others.  I found it to be an interesting read, and it was nice to see so many different kinds of people represented in this book (as well as a range of different types of libraries).  While this book is great for librarians to see, I feel like it would be a great book to get in the hands of a lot of people, especially those who proclaim that libraries are redundant, since we have the Internet.  It's a fun read, but also thought-provoking.

Public Library and other stories

Public Library and other stories by Ali Smith.  220 pages

This series of different stories doesn't necessarily focus on only public libraries, although they do focus on what we do with books, how they affect us, and how they make us view the world around us.  Interspersed with the stories are conversations with readers and writers reflecting on the essential role that libraries have played in their lives.

I found this to be an interesting collection of stories.  Some were stranger than others, and a few times, I found I couldn't quite follow a story.  I liked that the author added the conversations with writers and readers, and actually found some of what they said to be a bit more interesting than a few of the stories.  For example, Sophie Mayer, said (in context of Buffy, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, citing a library card as a weapon), "Libraries save the world, a lot, but outside the narrative mode of heroism: through contemplative action, anonymously and collectively.  For me, the public library is the ideal model of society, the best possible shared space, a community of consent - an anarcho-syndacalist collective where each person is pursuing their own aim (education, entertainment, affect, rest) with respect to others, through the best possible medium of the transmission of ideas, feelings and knowledge: the book."   (p. 75)

I wouldn't usually put in such a long quote, but I really love that bit.  This is definitely an interesting book to pick up as an introduction to this author, and to some interesting ideas, as well.

The Invisible Library

The Invisible Library by Genevieve Cogman.  329 pages.

Secret agents, forbidden societies, stolen books . . . and mechanized alligators!   Okay, the alligators aren't integral to the story, but they do show up.  Irene is a professional spy for the Library, which has their members go and retrieve (well, steal) books from different realities.  Irene is sent with a new assistant, Kai, to fetch a dangerous book from an alternative London.  However, they soon discover the book has already been stolen and there are factions who are prepared to fight to the death to get the book.

In addition to these elements of the story, there are also supernatural elements,  Because this alternate version of London is chaos-infested, it makes it possible for there to be vampires, and fae, etc.  One of the more interesting things in the story for me was the Language that the Library's agents can use. The Language has elements of power to it, so Irene is able to open locks, etc. by speaking very specifically.

As a librarian and a devoted reader, I found a lot to enjoy in this book.  It's a great mix of the magical and the mundane, with an interesting main character, and an imaginative world.  The book has a steady pace, and the author's descriptive writing style really brings the whole story to life.  Admittedly, I felt like I wanted something a bit more from the book.  It was good, to be sure, but it's like having a premium ice cream sundae and then leaving off the sprinkles and whipped cream.

Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks and Gangstas . . .

Free for All: Oddballs, Geeks and Gangstas in the Public Library by Don Borchert.  210 pages

I think the title basically says it all; Library employee Don Borchert tells some pretty funny stories about where he works.

Borchert hasn't always worked in a library, and in fact, worked in many industries before landing his job in a California library.  While he may have anticipated a quiet job (with some occasional shushing), that's not today's modern library.    This is a fun book, filled with stories about some of the patrons (children and adults) that he encounters.  I admit it; at times, I did laugh out loud a little.  The section about the surprising discovery he and a colleague made when they were emptying a bookdrop is memorable.

The book is pretty funny, although Borchert has some insightful thoughts about libraries, patron expectations, and the reality of people's lives.   If you work in a library, you'll probably find yourself nodding along at parts of the book.   However, I think this book holds appeal for non-library readers (and in fact, just might build some appreciation among patrons for their own libraries).

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein, 278 pages

This book is a sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, which was a great book.  I wouldn't have thought it possible, but the sequel is at least as good as the first book.  In this story, many kids throughout the country are angry that they didn't have a chance to play in the first set of library games so Mr. Lemoncello has begun a new competition and teams of middle schoolers will have the chance to compete in the Library Olympics.  The winners will get a free ride to the college of their choice.  Kyle and his friends are excited to have a chance to compete again but Kyle is nervous about what will happen if they lose.  This book is full of fun puzzles and plenty of action.  I would highly recommend it to almost any kid who enjoys reading at all.

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein, 291 pages

After more than a decade with no library in town, the new library is planning its grand opening.  Kyle, along with eleven other kids in his grade have won the chance to have a lock-in at the new library and get a preview before the actual opening.  Kyle is excited because the man who paid for this library, Mr. Lemoncello, is a huge gaming mogul.  He is the creator of almost all of Kyle's favorite games.  The kids have a lot of fun at the lock-in but find out the next day that the real game has just started.  They have 24 hours to find a way out of the library.  The first person to succeed will win a fantastic prize.  Then the real fun begins.  This is a fun book with several puzzle games that the readers can figure out along with the characters.  I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to any kids who like realistic fiction or figuring out puzzles and mysteries.

Ink and Bone

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
355 Pages

"In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time.... Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly--but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family's spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library's service. When he inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life--and soon both heretics and books will burn."

Another book I highly recommend.  Caine has created what I hope is the start of a new series.

Checked Out

Checked Out, by Elaine Viets, 288 pages

Helen Hawthorne is a Private Investigator who has been hired to investigate the loss of a million dollar painting inside a library book by going undercover as a library volunteer.  Once in place, she gets embroiled in a mystery concerning a potential ghost and a very real murder.  Fans of libraries, cozy-ish mysteries, sort of arbitrary endings, characters with little personality, outdated librarian stereotypes, or that thing where the author lists at the end what happened to all of the characters without actually working it into any sort of chapter, may like this book. 

Long Overdue

Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi, 427 pages

Want to learn more about wheat harvesting in small-town rural Kansas? Love Overdue by Pamela Morsi might just be the book for you! 

Just kidding...kind of. DJ (Dorothy Jarrow) has patterned her life to be that of the respectable librarian. So, when she lands the position of "the librarian" in Verdant, Kansas she feels like all her hard work and personal repression is finally paying off. Oh but wait, the town hottie/pharmacist Scott just happens to be the guy she hooked up with years ago on a spring break trip to South Padre Island! The romance plot between the two centers on the fact that DJ immediately recognizes Scott, but he doesn't realize she is his "Sparkle Girl" from years ago until the very end of the novel.

Yes, this set up is super romance novel tropey and sometimes DJ come off as real annoying (for those of us who dislike the button-up library image), but I liked the characters enough to stick with it. I really enjoyed Scott as just an average middle-class nice guy. Not a billionaire playboy or duke in disguise or some other typical romance novel trick but a pillar of the community nonetheless.
I would recommend this book to fans of Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and anyone else who likes witty banter, small-town slice of life, interesting character driven type of stories (think: Gilmore Girls in book form).