DNF--this was reviewed by BookPage and sounded interesting, but in the end, it wasn't really what I thought it was going to be. I expected it to be more about interactions between librarians and patrons--perhaps with some stories about overdue media (such as those we see in the news occasionally where a book checked out 75 years ago gets returned etc.). Instead it's more of a history of the library (which is interesting) and how certain populations use the library (which in some cases is less interesting to me). ( )

I'm noticing a lot of people felt misled because this book is part memoir. I'm not sure what made y'all think that it wouldn't have a personal touch when the book description literally says: "based on firsthand experiences" and "using her experience". Even if it wasn't the book you expected it to be, I hope you still gave it a fair review based on what it actually is!

I for one, very much enjoyed the author sharing her actual own experiences and thoughts! Every chapter was interesting (although chapter 11 seemed a bit unfocused compared to the rest of the book). I'm interested in pursuing a library degree and library work, and I found this book very relatable. I appreciated her reflections on her own growth and internal conflicts. I was also touched by how she spoke about 'hope', which also made the opposite, hopelessness, more tangible, especially as it relates to my experience of depression.

Another critique I saw in many reviews was that the author blamed administrators too much. I agree there might be a bit too much blame there when many likely also don't have a lot of autonomy... but I felt like it was speaking about administration in general and was not a significant point of the book.

Very enjoyable read overall! Thank you! ( )

Interesting material about public libraries is presented in a manner that left me disappointed and frustrated.

My first impression of the book is that a bright-eyed white woman who grew up and went to college around Buffalo, New York, was shocked to find that the library where she worked in Washington, D.C., was frequented by people who had mental health issues and spent their nights in shelters or on the street. It wore her down so much, so fast, that she jumped at the chance to cross the country and pursue an MFA after just a few months. Now she lives in the Mojave desert and writes about that experience. That she feels obliged to explain at one point why she is not a "white savior" probably tells you most everything you need to know about the book.

The history of public libraries is interesting if scant. Same for her anecdotes about her experiences as a librarian. Previous to her short stint in the public library, she had a few years working in a school library in D.C. And while she claims her library career spans a decade, she's generously rounding up and even including the time spent pursuing her MLS.

Her points about the issues facing public libraries are valid, but she never really finds the necessary balance between high view analysis and on-the-ground experience. And solutions are something she rarely pursues, satisfied with pointing out the problems of houselessness, mental health care, and systemic racism.

Even though I agree with much that she has to say, I just found myself bored by her prose and presentation. At least it was short. ( )

This is an important book for understanding the role of libraries in communities. Of course, our society is not perfect and librarians are in the front line. Mental illness, house-lessness, and social issues play out in our very public libraries. Excellent writing from the perspective of a memoir and reflecting on personal experiences, backed up with research and references.

The author's words in the last paragraph summarize nicely: "Every question I have asked and every idea I have posited in these pages has been included with a hope that it might send others down their own paths of research and reckoning, of change. Part of our collective truth - one that has been recorded, housed and protected for centuries in libraries and by librarians - is that we are all connected to each other." ( )

A somewhat depressing look at underserved populations and the institutions, like schools and libraries, who try to help but aren't trained or funded to do so. ( )