How appropriate that this blog begins on Library Lovers Month!
Growing up is rural Perry County, I treasured my bi-monthly visits to the quonset library on Jackson Street. The library provided me with hours of entertainment and adventures. I lived with Laura on the prairie; I rafted with Tom and Huck on the Mississippi; and I shook with fear as four ghosts visited Scrooge and myself on Christmas Eve. This little library birthed an avid bibliophile, who can still lose track of time on Saturday afternoon sitting among the stacks.
Spending so much time in this wonderful place, I discovered that some of my favorite books feature libraries. During this month consider reading one:
Nonfiction
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Orlean weaves the story of the Los Angles Public Library fire of 1986 with her love of books and reading. The skilled investigative reporter explores who set the fire with how libraries have evolved and supported the communities they serve.
By far, this is one of the best books I have ever read. You will walk away with a great appreciation for the books, the librarians, and the libraries.
Fiction
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Nora Seed visits a special library. The library contains many books; each is a slightly different version of Nora’s life. She can go back and reflect on each decision she has made and determine which book contains the best version of her life.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
1936. Cussy Carter, one of the last of the Blue People has applied to librarian. She rides an old mule into the hills of Appalachia bringing books and magazines to a most illiterate population. Most are welcoming, but some not only fear her blue color, they fear the knowledge she brings.
The Lions of 5th Avenue by Fiona Davis
Set 80 years apart, Davis introduces readers to a Laura Lyons, the wife of Superintendent of the New York Public Library, and Sadie Donovan, Curator of the New York Public Library. In 1913, Laura wants more from life than to be just a mother. She applies to Columbia Journalism School and meets a progressive group of women in Greenwich Village, but when important books go missing from the library, Laura is called back home. In 1993, Sadie Donovan, granddaughter of Laura, gets her dream job of creating an exhibit, but important documents and manuscripts go missing and Sadie must face a dark family secret.
Classic
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Fireman Guy Montag’s job is to destroy books. He never questions his job until he meets his eccentric young neighbor Clarisse. She introduces him to a different world which allows him to think freely. Soon Montag steals a book from a fire, beginning his own personal library. This one impulse action may destroy his whole world, but will he find solace in another?
Children’s Book
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda is a child prodigy. Neglected by her parents, Matilda takes it upon herself to find a world she fits into. She finds a library and books! But Matilda isn’t done dealing with horrible adults, she still must deal with her school principal Miss Trunchbull; the worst bully of them all! Thankfully, Matilda is able to outsmart them all.
One small fact about public libraries: Almost 94% of the library funding comes from the government (local, state and federal). 6 % comes from other sources, such as fundraising. Most libraries are now fine free, meaning that they are not collecting money for overdue library books.
The State of Missouri attempted to cut aid to public libraries. We cannot let this free resource disappear. Even in the advanced technological world we live in, it is proven that citizens with access to a library have better mental and physical health, better academic success, and a strong economy. Fund our libraries of a better Missouri.
Books According to Julie 
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