Hello readers! I had an identity piece scheduled for today, and then decided to hold back on it for a bit longer to consider how much I want to share publicly. Instead, how about some backlist stories of love in the library?
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Most of you are aware that I am a school librarian and that I absolutely adore books set in the library world ~ assuming they’re done well, of course! There’s a rom com from last spring that upset me so much with the unrealistic depiction of the school library world ~ you really have to know the field to write it well. Speaking of writing it well, I just read and listened to two wonderful books set in libraries ~ I can’t wait to share about them once the newest of them releases.
People often think librarians sit around reading all day, and HA! No. I’m lucky if I ever get to read during the work day besides out loud during story times. Currently in my work library world we are undergoing hours / days of training on our new catalog & circulation system. For those in the know, we’re transitioning from Follett Destiny to AccessIt. It’s definitely a lot of work and a lot to learn, but also, so so invigorating. I love cataloging and library management, so digging in deep to all the nerdy back end stuff is my dream. I’m grateful we have so much time between now and full implementation next fall to learn the system, create training materials for the roll-out, and set up our respective patron-facing sites exactly how we want them. Librarians do so much more than read, my friends!
Today’s collection is one I originally shared elsewhere back in 2018, but I wanted to make sure my current readers know about all of these delightful backlist library romances. Have you noticed that the current market is being flooded with books about librarians and libraries? What a TREAT for all of us! So much fodder for future roundups!
The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes McCoy
Libraries and a bookmobile and the gorgeous West Coast of Ireland, all wrapped up in a story of a small town publican librarian starting over in middle age. To make things even better, there is a young male library assistant with a love story of his own. This is the first in a series.
Bad Bachelor by Stefanie London
Darcy is a NYC librarian whose library is in dire need of funding. Here comes Reed the PR man to the rescue, but Darcy isn’t necessarily a big fan, given Reed’s reputation on a new dating app called Bad Bachelors. This one is super sexy and is straight up romance with denied attraction and witty banter mixed in with the library and dating app storylines. This is the first in a series, but the only one with a librarian.
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Alice is in college and working at a public library, when a new library colleague catches her eye. Tons of great library scenes, with the added bonus of Alice’s romance, which is made all the more complicated due to her asexuality. This one is fresh and fun and a welcome addition of a younger protagonist in the bookish world of libraries.
Librarians in Love Series by Sarah Title
This series is my just so special to me as these books were my first ever library romances. Each book in the series can be read as a stand alone, as they include unrelated characters and storylines. Book 1 is The Undateable and features a female university academic librarian, Book 2 is Falling for Trouble and features a male public librarian, and Book 3 is Laws of Attraction and features a female law librarian. All of the books prominently feature library life along with swoon-worthy, smart romance.
American Dreamers by Adriana Herrera
What can I say? Give me a m/m romance with one of the love interests being a food truck owner and one being a librarian and write it so eloquently that I can't put it down - I'm obsessed with this entire series.
Do you have a favorite romance set in the library world? Please do share!
That’s all for this edition, my friends!
Thanks for reading,
I love to hear from readers, so please do reach out to me with questions or feedback at mindfullibrarian@substack.com . If we aren’t already connected on Goodreads, I would love to see you there as well!
I don't think I've read any romance set in the library world, I'll check these out 👀
Would love to hear more of your thoughts on the cataloging transition (I've been looking at destiny alternatives for our library)