When I Went to the Library: Writers Celebrate Books and Reading

by Michele Landsberg (Introduction), Debora Pearson (Editor)

Featuring contributions from Paul Yee, Ken Roberts, and Sarah Ellis, a wonderful collection of stories brings to life the richly textured traditions of the library, from a boy who finds solace in the library to safeguard himself against the impending death of his grandmother to a young Chinese woman who uses books to escape from her life.

Genres: Short Stories, Canada

144 pages, Hardcover

First published May 29, 2001

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful collection of short stores. All focusing on libraries or the love of reading, the written word and books. I found some to be touching and inspiring, others funny and joyous; While others saddened me.

I decided to leave the introduction for last and I am glad I did so. I connected so much with the words spoken and I read them with pride.Michele Landsberg, took the thoughts and feeling that I have for the library and wrote one the best introductions I have had the pleasure of reading in quite sometime.

You do not need to be a child to enjoy this collection, any age will find something in these stories.

4.5

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I've read a few this year, short story collections are usually not my preference, but it is always good to read outside one's preferences. "Carlotta's Search" and "Fly Away" moved me the most; beautiful tales celebrating the latitude reading provides.

[Cherry Maple]

Dear Mr. Winston - 4/5

My son read this excerpt from his schoolbook aloud. We couldn't stop laughing the whole time.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of short stories for young readers has a couple of gems in it, most notably the first, which is a very funny letter of apology to a librarian without a trace of true contrition. The other is a rather tragic story of a Chinese mail order bride. The rest left me a little flat but the book is true to its theme, which I appreciate.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining collection of short stories about libraries, books, and reading. They range from hilarious (Dear Mr. Winston), to sad and reflective (Carlotta's Search). I'm so glad it was recommended to me!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best story was the first one, "Dear Mr. Winston," by Ken Roberts, that takes the form of an apology letter written to the librarian after a child brings a snake into the library.

[Daniela G. · Rating 2 out of 5]

dear mr.winston is about a girl is writting a letter to apologize about the snake. the problem is about the snake escape from the box.the men of the library when he saw the snake he fainted.

[Christina M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprisingly odd collection of stories. They didn't seem to hang together at all. Too bad--this anthology had so much potential.

[Tacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite short story