The Last Library – Freya Sampson

„What these management consultants with their calculators and spreadsheets will never work out is that the library is about so much more than simply books. Libraries are like a net, there to catch those of us in danger of falling through the cracks.” (Quotation page 76)

Content

Beverly Jones had been the librarian of Chalcot Library and her daughter June was always found immersed in a book. Since ten years June herself works as a Library Assistant works at. She loves her work and the small little village Chalcot, but eight years ago, her mum has died and she still is missing her so much. Now June’s live is quiet, surrounded by books and her cat Alan Bennett, pretending to be happy alone with her memories. When it comes to the council’s announcement that there are six libraries to be closed in the county and Chalcot is one of them, June is asked to join the FOCL – Friends of Chalcot Library protest group, to start a campaign to save the library that means so much to everybody. But will she be able to finally make a step forward and open to real life?

Theme and Genre

This story is about loss, friendship, family and love. An important topic is life in small villages, caring about the needs of the inhabitants when investors in search for maximum profit are waiting who would change everything. Most of all it is about books, reading and the magic of libraries.

Characters

The different characters are likeable, a bit old-fashioned and sometimes quite funny with their tics. June is very shy, always trying to hide somewhere in the back, hoping to be overseen. But she cares a lot about the regulars coming to the library, offering much more than just perfect book recommendations.

Plot and Writing

The very-well-written story takes place during summer and early autumn and is told in a third person narrative perspective with June Jones as main character. It is a romantic, heartwarming plot that gets depth with themes like the social role of public spaces such as a library in small communities, politics, missing funds and personal courage.

Conclusion

An enjoyable, uplifting read – not only for booklovers.