Love your Library with ‘Library’ Books

Library Lovers' Day is drawing near and so, in this timely post, we discover some gorgeous picture books that celebrate libraries – join the fun with Loretta Brazendale as she shares her favourites. Mark the day in your calendar, check out events in a library near you in February and find resources on the ALIA website.

On the 14^th of February not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day but we celebrate the most important day! Library Lovers Day! So, it was only fitting for me to write my first blog for 2023 on all things Library and what we love about our libraries! My favourite thing about libraries are the children’s books, because these stories can really inspire the love of storytelling, reading, imagination and how children’s books can start some amazing conversations and memories for children.  

The last book in my review comes about because the first book I read in the series by this author was the best! My absolute favourite memory so far in working in a library is because of this book. I read the book in question to a class that was visiting the library and told them that it is my favourite and after I read the story I explained why. Little did I know the class also loved the story and their visits to the library so much that at their end of year school assembly I was invited to attend as their special guest and what a wonderful surprise I got! Not only was it mentioned how important their library visits were, but a prerecording was played of each student reading a page of the book I had read to them, dressed as the main character. Even the teachers and the assistance dog got involved. You will have to read to the end of the reviews to find out which book has stolen my heart! Enjoy 

Lucy’s Book by Natalie Jane Prior

This gorgeous picture book is a celebration of library books, librarians, sharing books with friends and the joy of reading and re-reading a favourite book. This story was more like the life cycle of a library book when it becomes much sought after. I loved how the library theme was strong throughout the book. The illustrations are wonderful, and I highly recommend this beautiful book. 

The Lost Library by Jess McGeachin 

A great picture book with a "library" adventure!  I also enjoyed seeing at the end of the book, Ms. Hardback, the librarian, left a note for the reader asking if they can find a dragon on each page. I love that! I would love to find a lost library and get lost in it, imagine the books you could find, I’m thinking this would make a great children’s themed event in our library! Maybe I could dress as a dragon for the event!

Our Library by Donna Rawlins 

This beautiful book could nearly be an instruction guide for library staff. When reading this story, I felt like it was telling the story of my library! The book explains that libraries are vibrant and inclusive and not a place to just sit and be quiet. Really is an amazing picture book to introduce children and families to all the wonderful things in a library. 

The Gobbledygook is Eating a Book by Justine Clarke and Arthur Baysting

Ahhh finally a book of teaching the importance of loving and looking after your books. I think every library staff member would love this book! The story has fun, silly rhymes that children would think are seriously funny. Fantastic colourful illustrations throughout. 

Now it’s no secret that Maggie Hutchings first Cockroach tale became my absolutely favourite book in 2021!! So much so that I dressed as the funny little cockroach for Book Week in 2021!! It’s my go to book to share with children that come into the library! I have already reviewed “Your Birthday was the Best!’ in a past review so it’s only fair I review the next best thing that has happened to this little Cockroach! 

Your School is the Best! by Maggie Hutchings 

I think why I love these 2 stories is because of the differing perspectives. The cockroach and his family think they are being super friendly and helpful, but the poor little guy and his family are just terrorizing a classroom of children. And again, I love the illustrations in this book, the look of horror on the children's faces are so detailed. This book is truly the best. 

Loretta Brazendale

Information Services Coordinator
Burnie Library | Libraries Tasmania 

Editor’s note: Do you have a special library moment to share or a favourite story that celebrates books and libraries? Add a comment and expand the list. I adore the notion of creating a community library celebrated in The Great Book-Swapping Machine by Emma Allen & Lisa Coutts..