by Lydia M. Sigwarth
Illustrated by Romina Galotta
ASIN/ISBN: 9780374313906
Publication: June 1, 2021

After leaving their home behind, Lydia and her family stay with various relatives in their homes. She’s without a home of her own until she discovers the library, a place where her imagination can run wild and there is space to do so many things. The most special spot of all is where the librarian is located.

Dear Librarian is a touching story of the effects libraries and librarians have on children. Like Lydia, the library was a sanctuary for me when I was growing up, and it continues to be one when I need to escape the noise of adulthood. I loved the book. It made me tear up! It immediately reminded me of Gary Paulsen’s autobiographical middle grade read Gone to the Woods. In it he also attributes his path to a librarian. The illustrations are charming, especially the one above with the sun shining through. However, my favorite illustration is probably the first page, because the book opens to a drawing of a library checkout card. The library is indeed a magical place.