If you’re anything like me, you LOVE libraries — the countless spine colors lined across the shelves, the scent of the old pages, and the bookish thrill when scavenging to find the perfect one(s). Naturally, many authors choose to write stories that take place where books are most celebrated, a library. From cozy romance novels to mystery/thriller reads, these books are perfect for booklovers and will bring you a unique reading experience — one that mixes your love for reading with a story that has a literary space at its center. Whether you’re a huge library admirer or just searching for your next great read, this article will give you exactly what you’re looking for!
Literary Fiction
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a novel that pulled me into reading and encouraged me to try more literary fiction. I am a major historical fiction fanatic, specifically fascinated by World War II. That being said, I’ve read many, but what makes this one stand out and truly unforgettable is that it’s narrated by Death. Set in Nazi regime Molching, Germany during WWII, The Book Thief follows the story of a young, illiterate girl named Liesel Meminger who, as indicated by the title, steals books. The library she steals from plays a crucial role in the plot as an immensely powerful source of resistance, control, and transformative growth.
“…she would wonder when the books and the words started to mean not just something, but everything.”
Markus Zusak from The Book Thief
I tend to read books as an escape, to get out of my own head and into a character and their story. This not only acts as a distraction, but also as a comfort. In the same way, Liesel Meminger used books and trips to the library to escape her harsh reality and to cope with her grief. Living in a Totalitarian society, full of hardship and adversity, Liesel Memninger discovered that the library opened the door for her to make the momentous decision to not succumb to fear and defeat, and instead create her own narrative that changes the trajectory of her life. A big risk, of course, but the reward is way bigger. Liesel’s profound, life-changing connection to words and books allowed her to no longer feel powerless in a world that felt hopeless.
I could go on and on, but I will leave you with that. If you haven’t read this book — and enjoy both historical fiction and libraries — I highly recommend stopping what you’re doing and picking it up, because it is one you will never forget, and I can promise you won’t regret it!
What You Are Looking For is in the Library by Michico Ayoama, Translated by Alison Watts
I had never read Japanese fiction before stumbling across What You’re Looking for is in the Library, and let me tell you, it won’t be my last. I always enjoy a cozy read, one with a heartwarming theme and relatable characters, and this one did not disappoint. Being based in a library also increased its allure, making it irresistible.
“Books will always be essential for some people. And bookshops are a place for those people to discover books that will become important to them. I will never allow bookshops to vanish from this world.”
Michiko Aoyama from What You Are Looking For is in the Library
The novel consists of five stories, each one addressing a different, ordinary individual. Each person comes from a different background, but all share one thing in common: their local library and the quest for guidance. Independently, they visit the library and meet Sayuri Komachi, the mysterious librarian who remarkably provides each of them with a book that pertains to their personal struggle. What You’re Looking for is in the Library portrays libraries as a magical place, holding the book that could change your life and get you through a difficult time.
The Personal Library by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
This book can also be classified as historical fiction — which you know I love — so of course I have to share it with you. I was in awe of the intelligence and drive of the main character, Belle, and the emotional weight she was forced to carry. It addresses the invisible burdens women of color carried in the Gilded Age and their brilliance, secrecy, and resilience.
“My plan is to turn the Pierpont Library from a private library into a public institution so that thousands and thousands of people will see the beauty and significance of the early written word — the importance of reading books as a great equalizer among humankind.”
Marie Benedict from The Personal Librarian
The Personal Library takes place in the early 20th century and tells the story of Belle da Costa Greene, a young woman who was hired to manage a collection of books, art, and rare manuscripts in a library. She had one secret — one that could ruin her career and social standing. She was born Belle Marion Greener, daughter of the first Black Harvard graduate. She is able to pass as white because of her Portuguese heritage, which gives her a light complexion. We see the lengths she has to go while living a double life to protect her family and reputation.
The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson
This novel had me at the title; I simply couldn’t walk away without knowing the library’s fate. The library is like a protagonist in the story, because readers become invested in what happens to it and how. Sampson does a fabulous job of showing readers that libraries are more than just a building that contains books, “they’re places where an eight-year-old boy can have his eyes opened up to the wonders of the world, and where a lonely eighty-year-old woman can come for some vital human contact. Where a teenager can find precious quiet space to do her homework and a recently arrived immigrant can find a new community.”
“Libraries are places where everyone, rich or poor, wherever they come from in the world, can feel safe. Where they can access information that will empower them.”
Freya Sampson from The Last Chance Library
The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson is set in a local library located in a small English village. June Jones, the introverted librarian, finds solace in the library, away from the real world, with her nose in books. Still grieving the loss of her mother and losing herself in the process, June gets news that the library is being threatened to be closed due to council cuts. It’s not just her “safe place,” but also the place that holds so many of her memories with her mom at risk. With a determination to save her beloved library and support from others, she is forced to take a stand and be the voice for her community. Although in a rough circumstance, June forms valuable friendships, strengthens her confidence, develops a love interest, and learns to cope with her grief.
Recommended For You by Laura Silverman
This one is for my romance novel lovers with an enemies-to-lovers trope. But this one takes place in a library, which, in my opinion, deserves extra points! There’s nothing better than the loathing, the flirty back-and-forth banter, and the undeniable slow-burning chemistry. I also want to add that this would be a perfect read during Christmas time, as it’s centered around the holidays. A very merry rom-com! Recommended For You by Laura Silverman has all of the necessities that make a rom-com worth reading.
“Once Upon isn’t just a bookstore. It’s a community. It’s a home. It’s my home, the thing I can depend on, no matter what, even if I’m having a bad day.”
Laura Silverman from Recommended For You
Set at an independent bookstore called Once Upon, Shoshanna works as one of the booksellers. She could be viewed as a workaholic, but she actually uses the library as an escape from her tension-filled home and car troubles. When Christmas time rolls around, her boss announces a holiday bonus to the employee who sells the most books. As the successful, hard-working bookseller that she was, Shoshanna saw this as the perfect opportunity to use the money to fix her car. In the midst of the friendly competition, she notices someone’s sales numbers surpassing her own. Introducing Jake, the new hire who doesn’t even read, but is charming and perfect in all the right places. At first, these two competitive souls are determined to take the other down, but soon learn they may have more in common than they thought. And sparks begin to fly!
Mystery
Death of an Avid Reader by Frances Brody (Kate Shackleton Series #6)
As a mystery genre aficionado, I couldn’t wait to tell you about this one. I always love analyzing each character and trying to solve the mystery before it is revealed. This novel will have you changing your prediction nearly every chapter. It is one you don’t want to end. We also can’t ignore the book cover that gives it a cozy feel! Death of an Avid Reader is the sixth book in the series, but it is not crucial to read them all in order to understand it.
“…the Leeds Library on Commercial Street has added the finest of jewels to its crown”
Frances Brody from Death of an Avid Reader
Kate Shackleton is a private investigator, masterful at solving crimes. Lady Coulton learns she doesn’t have long to live and hires Kate to find her secret love-child, Sophia, who was given up for adoption years prior. The stakes are already high as Lady Coulton is pressing for time; however, Kate also finds herself in a “haunted” library, where she discovers a body in the basement. An arrest was made, but Kate has suspicions and sets out to discover the truth by herself. This story paints libraries in a different light than mentioned above, but nonetheless intriguing and compelling.
The Mystery of Henri Pick by David Foenkinos
I had to add another mystery (of course) that’s both funny and about books. It’s driven by a deep love of books and the brilliant authors who write them. It shows that every author’s voice is unique and worth reading.
“They finally have a place. Think of it as charity work.”
David Foenkinos From The Mystery of Henri Pick
The library in Brittany holds almost a thousand rejected books of aspiring writers. And one day, on a trip there, Delphine Despero, a young editor, discovers a book that she’s never heard of but is too good not to take back home to be published. The book was written by Henri Pick, a pizza chef who is now deceased. This act causes a big commotion in her town and leads to an investigation in Brittany, because how did this top-notch book never see the light of day for years? This is a very fast-paced, enjoyable read that is guaranteed to make you smile.
Fantasy
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
I found this book to be crazy interesting! Sometimes we wonder what our life would look like if we made one different choice, big or small. The question of what if. This novel is deeply moving and emotionally healing because it invites us to reflect on our lives with compassion.
“Between life and death there is a library, and within that library, the shelves go on forever. Every book provides a chance to try another life you could have lived.”
Matt Haig from The Midnight Library
Nora Seed, a young woman, comes across a magical library that exists “between life and death,” and contains an infinite number of books. Each one is a story of a different reality that explores what her life would look like if she made a different choice. Nora is given the opportunity to reflect and find what would truly fulfill her and what she wants her life to look like.
Thriller
You by Caroline Kepnes
This novel had me hooked, disturbed, and shocked, and I was craving to read the rest of the series. Perhaps you have watched the You series on Netflix. Whether you have or haven’t watched the show, I recommend reading this one, if not all of them. Books always provide a deeper characterization, and dialogue and monologue tend to differ. All the more reason to read the book!
“I’m the same way about the bookshop. You know, I walk around and I feel the whole world is in there, the most important stories of all time.”
Caroline Kepnes from You
While You by Caroline Kepnes revolves around a bookstore rather than a library, I still felt it could be relevant. I personally got a more library feel versus a bookstore one. Joe Goldberg is a stalker who becomes infatuated with an aspiring writer named Guinevere Beck in New York City. He learns everything there is to know about her and devises a thorough plan that brings them together. He puts on a facade to be her perfect man, all while doing whatever it takes to have him to herself. While his toxic mindset is already disturbing enough, Kepnes will leave you aghast when unveiling the secrets of the bookstore and what takes place within it.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
This book encompasses more than just thriller elements, also incorporating historical fiction, horror, and mythology. Many refer to it as “vampire literature,” which is already compelling in itself. Aside from it being a suspenseful page-turner, Kostova’s writing is beautifully constructed and very thought-out. Fun fact: She spent ten years writing this book, mostly because she travelled around Europe so she could describe everything in the book as detailed and accurately as possible. Every character is a historian/scholar, so much of the setting is in a library!
“It was good to walk into a library again; it smelled like home.”
Elizabeth Kostova from The Historian
The Historian starts in Amsterdam, where the narrator learns about her father’s old professor, who mysteriously disappeared after finding an image of a dragon in an old book. Her father set off on a dangerous journey to find the owner of the book, who turned out to be Dracula. In a riveting series of events, the narrator, also known as the historian, discovers secrets to her family’s past with an evil presence.
Children’s Fiction
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris
To end on a more light-hearted note, I’ve noticed many published children’s fiction books about libraries, which is amazing! Libraries foster curiosity, reading, and an understanding of the world through stories. They’re already magical to us adults, but I think for kids, it’s even greater.
“He wanted to know a little…no…a lot about everything. He was curious. And the library is a wonderful place to be if a person is curious. Everything had its place in the Library and Melvin liked it that way”
Carla Morris from The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians
This book acts as a testament to librarians across the world, acknowledging their guidance and support. Melvin, the little boy in The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians, rushes to the library every time school gets dismissed. He’s a curious kid, always interested in learning something new and turning to his library friends to give him books on whatever subject each day. Melvin’s passion for books, the library, and the desire to learn stays with him as he gets older. But now, he can always find what he is looking for and has a great time doing so. This book is great for young kids as it brings excitement to learning and reading. They may even end up asking you for a trip to the library!
I hope you enjoyed my suggestions for books that take place in libraries! I enjoyed finding some in various genres to help give you a wider range to choose from based on your interests. I would love to hear if you’re planning to read some of your thoughts, if you already have.
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