A FAMILY OF READERS

The library is central to a family’s day.

The titular characters enter the building and begin browsing. Meanwhile, staffers shelve books, French students work on their pronunciation, chefs find titles on baking bread, actors in costume perform an elaborate storytime, a group of moms convenes for a book club, preteen members of a robotics club gather, and gardeners outside harvest tomatoes. Eagle-eyed youngsters will spot a tan-skinned child clad in green overalls who appears throughout, silently observing from the sidelines. As the day winds down and everyone leaves, the little one walks out, accompanied by a parent and holding a book, and the story closes with the youngster reading at last. Sanders has crafted an invitingly alliterative ode to libraries; this isn’t the stuffy, silent place of yesteryear, but a space that’s vibrant, welcoming, and wholly alive. Benda’s crowded, crisp illustrations feature people of varying skin tones, hairstyles, abilities, and ages. Some are tattooed; one wears a hijab. A Pride flag sits on the librarian’s desk—this is truly a place for every member of the community. The book is both a lovely way to convince newcomers to visit their local library and a comforting read for those who already feel at home there.

A hopeful and joyful love letter to the public library.