A love song to libraries
593072
I can think of no better time than now for a book that explores from so many directions the importance of libraries, librarians, and the free flow of information. Kyle Cassidy has created here a moving and humanizing panegyric, a love letter to knowledge and the people with a passion for sharing it, for making it readily available for all who seek it. Cassidy's delightful photographic portraits of librarians from all corners of the world alternately reinforce and shatter some stereotypes we have come to associate with librarians, and the words of the librarians themselves form a richly layered and complex madrigal that celebrates their common passion for empowering people with the information they need and entertaining them with the whimsy they desire. Cassidy includes short essays on libraries from the likes of Neil Gaiman, George R. R. Martin, Nancy Pearl, and Amanda Palmer that reinforce for the reader a sense of community among those of us for whom libraries have always felt like home, for whom librarians have always felt like family. Beautifully written, photographed, and edited, this book deserves a place on the (no doubt already overstuffed) shelves of any reader or seeker of knowledge.
3905236
I love books, but this is great for carrying around a library. And the Voyage is more readable.
2145992
When I was growing up, the library was magical to me.  (They still are).  My local public library was a wonderfully built neo-classical blonde stone building full to bursting with books which could take me anywhere and anywhen and I had a card of my own, and by gosh I knew how to use it! And that smell... it still transports me to a seriously happy place.

The point is, my first, beloved, public library was a Carnegie library, built with funds from the Carnegie foundation.  I've always been fascinated by the concept of noblesse oblige which seemed to be expected of the wealthy and powerful in all but the most modern times.  The concept is sadly outdated now (with a few exceptions).  Andrew Carnegie was the quintessential bootstrap success story, running messages, working his way up through the ranks, investing and becoming hugely wealthy and influential.  He gave quite a lot of that wealth back to communities all over the world by endowing over 3,000 libraries along with many other charitable contributions.

This book, by Owlkids Books , is a beautifully illustrated short biography aimed at young readers.  The writing style is unforced and not patronizing.  The art is lovely and simple and compliments the story very well.  The author also doesn't shy away from writing about the inherent dichotomy of funding open and free access to libraries and learning and supporting communities on the one hand, and his anti-worker, profit driven, union breaking activities on the other hand.  I enjoyed reading this small book very much and recommend it unreservedly.  Delightful book, well written.

I still remember the thousands of hours I spent in 'my' beloved hometown library.  I wonder if the librarians knew how much they shaped me and comforted and inspired me?  I never really got to tell them, but I thank librarians and teachers often to this day, and it really started with the people in this library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
4083780
A fun and familiar read!  The stories are personal and believable.  The pen and ink Illustrations show the variety of library buildings found throughout America in the design of that great community gathering place, the Library.  Information Professionals (a.k.a. - Librarians) will read this and laugh to themselves...."Been there, done that!"
4465364
The author took a beautiful song and made it applicable to small children.  I saw this in the library and bought the book for a special child in my life.
1041315
I found this item when looking for a gift for a favorite librarian.  With all the cuts to education, these fine scientists are seemingly first on the chopping block for budget cuts.  This action figure will remind you and/or your favorite librarian why they are so beloved.  Really, who showed you what to read when you were searching for a certain something, as yet unknown?
1854340
What a wonderful book! The author does a beautiful job with this love song for a place and for friendship. From the first page, the town of Fairhope, Alabama, and it's inimitable residents leap off the page. The reader is quickly captivated by the setting and by the story that is unfolding within its boundaries. Friends Cam and Margot find themselves struggling with relationships, foundation questions of identity, and a major natural disaster. Through it all, they cling to each other for strength and support. Anyone with an interest in Southern novels, romance novels, novels about friendship, and novels that are a tribute to a place will find something to like about Fairhope. It isn't going too far to say that this book is a page-turner in more ways than one. I highly recommend it!
932360
As I sit here writing this review, I listen to my turn table and hum along to Brahm's Symphony No. 1.
I love music, this book is a Vinyl Aficionado's dream. Reading The Music Shop I desired to follow along to the sound track of Frank's life. I went to my own collection to find the music listed in each chapter, if I didn't have it, I went to Youtube. I created a playlist for my reading enjoyment. Even lying down on the floor as suggested by Frank to get the complete experience. I wondered why there wasn't a playlist included, then I arrived at the last page of the book, ding, Ms. Joyce had sure enough included a link to her Spotify Playlist  She didn't let me down. My only complaint from the whole book is that I wished this playlist had been at the beginning so that I didn't have to spend so much time searching for the music. However, maybe my journey of searching and taking the time to find the music was just as valuable as Frank's mothers stories are to him and made the experience of reading this book even more special? I hope to think so.

Ms. Joyce take a delightful story and sets it into a run down street where the characters are lovable, friendly, community oriented and giving to each other.  The musical gift that Frank, the Music Shop's owner has is second to none. I'm not gonna blab on what that he does, you will just have to read the book to find out as it is special, super special, I tell ya.

When Ilse Brachmann faints outside Franks shop on Unity Street you know an adventure is afoot. Unity Street sits at the end of a small community nestled among the ravages of a 40 year old war in the middle of London. Each member of Frank's business and living community adds to the story with the richness of their varying personality quirks. I throughly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of Frank's friends and neighbors.

The Music Shop is a delightful tribute to decades of wonderful music and takes that music and makes it swell with Ms. Joyce's writing.

I love it as much as I loved Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. The Music Shop is definitely a keeper.

Like music, said Peg. Even when it was over, it kept living inside you.
 Rachel Joyce, The Music Shop

I received this book from Penguin's First to Read in lieu of my honest opinion.  Thrilled I got to read it.
3156637
My husband and I rent library book cd's when we travel - the library didn't carry this so I purchased it. We loved it - it's so worth the money, share with your family - what a story, I cried, laughed, held my breath.......it brings out all your emotions.  A classic must have to add to your library.
4217135
My wife is a librarian and I was excited to be able to share this book with her. She was excited to be able to see all of the different types of libraries that are out there. There are so many beautiful libraries around the Unites States and the World and this book explores many of them. The essays themselves were instructive and explored history and current practices in libraries today. Even if you do not want to delve deep into these essays, the images alone were amazing, allowing the reader to see how literacy can be shared in so many shapes and sizes. While technology becomes more prevalent in society, information literacy continues to be so important and libraries provide this to our children. This book captures the magic and importance of libraries today and it should be shared widely.

*I received this for review - all opinions are my own*
1300059
A book that promotes the love of reading. Beautifully illustrated with vibrant and playful font layout. I can see this book being a favorite of librarians, grandparents and grandkids everywhere. Sweet and magical
828143
I have a hard time keeping this book in my library as I keep giving it away, usually with a cry of "you will LOVE this!" They always do. Thanks, Malcolm, for your words and your spirit. These poems are as true as they come.
511988
This book is indeed overdue.  As a passionate reader, but a non-librarian, I found new insight into the new world of libraries.  Frankly, I haven't spent much time in libraries since back when they had those little drawers full of cards, and stamped the date with messy black ink.  I don't know that those seeking detailed information on libraries would have been as engaged as I, but I found the conversational tone charming.  Not intended as a reference, "This Book Is Overdue" is an enjoyable peek behind the covers of a fascinating world.
3119480
I am a middle school librarian and recognize a gem when I read one. This is exactly the kind of book I love to hand out to my students. The Vanderbeeker family is so easy to fall in love with. They make you want to become a better (and more creative) person. This book is an excellent read-aloud, whether you are a teacher, a parent, or a grandparent. There will be a couple more books in the series, which is fantastic news. The Vanderbeekers are a family you would want as your next-door neighbors. They are so much fun to hang out with!
278598
I really enjoyed this book.  I expected to use it primarily to get ideas for my own library.  As I was browsing it, however, a couple of articles caught my eye and I started reading more.  Before I knew it, I was curled up in bed reading it clear-through.  It has interesting articles about different people's libraries, their collections, and a few about collecting in general. Mix in a little bit of history on books and collecting and you have one enjoyable book.

Some of the other reviews criticize this book because it seems to focus on the aesthetics of books.  I must say that I agree that a library is more than how they look but that is certainly part of it - particularly in a coffee table book about home libraries.  After all, I do not think that anyone would like to see photos of my aunt's double wide full of tens of thousands of paper-backs.

So the library of books all covered with white bindings may not be my taste or yours, but it is the celebration of these differences that makes this book interesting and compelling.  My only complaint is that I would have liked to seen a few more average-Joe home libraries.
3182235
This beautiful book is a treasure to add to my library.  I hope my grandchildren will read it often and learn to love poetry as I do.
832728
I work at a public library and we received this book yesterday. After I read it, I showed it to all of the other folks working because I fell in love! What a charming book! Like another reviewer mentioned, it boasts the ability to provide humor both for children and for adults. This is a book that I could easily see myself reading every night to my son, without getting sick of it.