The Library

The Library by Bella Osborne is a good pick for bibliophiles because it touches on how public libraries are central to communities - not only for their books and services, but as a place for people to connect. In this book, a small-town public library is threatened with possible closure and the story fondly reminded me of The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson.

But for me, this was much more of a heartfelt story about the unexpected kinship that begins at a public library. Tom is a socially awkward teenage boy who finds friendship, community and help dealing with his loneliness and family problems when he meets sassy septuagenarian Maggie at the library. This unlikely pair tells their individual stories through alternating POVs, and I found their bond to be endearing and authentic. 

With the addition of emotional topics (Trigger Warnings below disclaimer), the story took on a surprising and enjoyable depth and the issue of the library closure took a bit of a backseat to this social aspect (which I was okay with). The characters made this book for me and were, for the most part, well-developed and readers will connect with Tom and Maggie equally. My only beef, as a Library Assistant, was how Christine the librarian came off as bumbling and almost incompetent.

Equal parts heartwarming, charming and insightful, The Library is a story about the importance of public libraries within communities, friendships at any age, and second chances.

Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Aria and Aries for my complimentary advanced digital copy given in exchange for my honest review. 

Trigger Warnings: alcoholism, grief, family dysfunction

My Rating: 4 stars

Author: Bella Osborne

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Type and Source: eBook ARC from NetGalley

Publisher: Aria and Aries

First Published: May 1, 2022

Opening Line: My name is Tom Harris and I am invisible.

Book Description from GoodReads: Two different generations. Two unusual people. Thrown together to save their local library.

Tom is a teenager and blends into the background of life. After a row with his dad, and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library. Tom unwittingly ends up with a bagful of romance novels and comes under the suspicion of Maggie.

Maggie is a pensioner and has been happily alone for ten years, at least that's what she tells herself. When Tom comes to her rescue a friendship develops that could change her life. As Maggie helps Tom to stand up for himself, Tom helps Maggie realise the mistakes of her past don't have to define her future.

They each set out to prove that the library isn't just about books – it's the heart of their community.

Together they discover some things are worth fighting for.