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Librarian on the Roof! A True Story
When RoseAleta Laurell begins her new job at the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas, she is surprised that the children of the town think the library is for adults. She vows to raise the money for a children's section and spends a week living and working on the library roof, even surviving a dangerous storm. With the help of the entire town, RoseAleta raises over $39,000 from within the community and across the country.
"Today if you look through the front window of the Eugene Clark Library, you will see shelves stacked full with children's books and tables and chairs just the right size. You will see artwork on the walls, and a row of busy computers. Best of all, you will always find crowds of children who love to read and learn inside the walls of the oldest library in Texas."
"Today if you look through the front window of the Eugene Clark Library, you will see shelves stacked full with children's books and tables and chairs just the right size. You will see artwork on the walls, and a row of busy computers. Best of all, you will always find crowds of children who love to read and learn inside the walls of the oldest library in Texas."
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
329 people want to read
About the author
M.G. King
7 books49 followersI became a writer in the third grade, when my best friend started the illustrious Cat Courier and needed reporters to capture feline news around the Jeffersonville, Indiana neighborhoods where we lived. We sold copies up and down the block for 5 cents each.
I've held a few jobs since then. I've been a camp counselor, ESL instructor in Japan, and a registered nurse who has worked critical care, transplant, and surgical recovery. The only job I've ever been fired from was my brief stint as a short order breakfast cook -- I've never been able flip fried eggs over easy without breaking the yolks.
Now I live in Texas with my husband and two sons, a Labrador named Bowzer and a cat named Mews, who all keep me laughing. We spend a lot of time looking for homework and lost keys under the books that clutter our house.
I've held a few jobs since then. I've been a camp counselor, ESL instructor in Japan, and a registered nurse who has worked critical care, transplant, and surgical recovery. The only job I've ever been fired from was my brief stint as a short order breakfast cook -- I've never been able flip fried eggs over easy without breaking the yolks.
Now I live in Texas with my husband and two sons, a Labrador named Bowzer and a cat named Mews, who all keep me laughing. We spend a lot of time looking for homework and lost keys under the books that clutter our house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
June 28, 2018
Not gonna lie. This one brought on some tears. I love this story and I love this woman! It just gets me so charged up to read of people with that kind of passion about anything, but ESPECIALLY ABOUT CHILDREN IN THE LIBRARY. Don't think of this as a children's book, this is one that everyone should read.
January 13, 2015
When I saw this book I just had to have it. RoseAleta Laurell is a librarian after my own heart, and one the Ninja Librarian would be proud to call a colleague! The story is pretty simple, and fully summed up in the blurb, and it's as delightful as it sounds. It is non-fiction, but reads like a flight of the author's imagination, and is charmingly told and wonderfully illustrated. I very much enjoyed Stephen Gilpin's illustrations, and thought they complemented the story perfectly.
There is a full page (for the adults) at the beginning which tells the true story of RoseAleta Laurell's efforts to revive the library in Lockhart, Texas in 2000. I can only laud her dedication!
Recommendation:
I first recommend this for every librarian I know, because it's just wonderful. But I'll also recommend for anyone, adult or child, who loves books or loves their library.
There is a full page (for the adults) at the beginning which tells the true story of RoseAleta Laurell's efforts to revive the library in Lockhart, Texas in 2000. I can only laud her dedication!
Recommendation:
I first recommend this for every librarian I know, because it's just wonderful. But I'll also recommend for anyone, adult or child, who loves books or loves their library.
November 24, 2010
This is an inspiring and true story that will, in time, become a classic on the shelves of libraries in every town and city in Texas and hopefully, throughout our country. The story is simple and easy for children to understand--a dedicated, loving librarian sees a need and throws her heart and soul into filling that need. Casting her personal safety aside, she exposes both her person and dignity to the winds and has herself put on the roof of a small town library to "raise the profile" of the historic library's plight. At the end of the day she makes that library what it should have been all along: a "Peoples' Place." This is a fine story, well told by a charming, talented and very very promising young author. The book is beautifully illustrated. That is a winning combination in anyone's book!
January 16, 2013
What a fantastic story about an intrepid librarian. As a librarian, I love these kinds of stories and this one is pretty good. The story is quick and I think kids will enjoy it. I love the fact that it is based on a true story...even if that does mean we shelve it in the nonfiction section instead of with the picture books! I thought the illustrations really did justice to the story as well. Good choice. 2012-13 Missouri Show Me Award Nominee.
March 22, 2018
I Love this beautiful ode to librarians especially to children's librarians everywhere! I can't believe I am just seeing this book now!
January 29, 2021
This is a true story but did not happen where I live. Besides, our library is only one level so it would not be as impressive.
July 24, 2019
This ia a wonderful true story of one awesome librarian! Her name is Rosealeta Laurell. With the help of her town, they were able to raise money for a childrens section in their library.
November 9, 2010
This book is just okay. Readers will admire the determination of the librarian RoseAleta, but it doesn't really excite me in any way.
When RoseAleta was hired as a new librarian at the Dr. Eugene Lark Library in Lockhart, Texas, she discovered that the library was very underused by the people in town (wouldn't she have learned this during pre-interview sleuthing about where she was going to interview?). The current staff seems generally apathetic, so she brings a new energy to the library personnel. When nothing she does-participates in parades, etc.-brings in children or adults, she re-evaluates the children's department and realizes that they need to update the furniture, computers, books, and more.
Of course, upgrades like these take money, and, of course, the library didn't have any money to spare. So RoseAleta endeavors to camp out on the roof of the library until 40,000 dollars is raised for the children's department. (Again, wouldn't she have gotten an idea of what the library's collection and budget were when she interviewed?).
All works out, happy ending, the library gets the money it needed to update the children's department, it is a busy place now, yadda yadda.
I understand that a suspension of belief is needed (maybe) for a story like this to succeed without having readers feel the need to ask questions like mine, but, like I said, I just can't get excited for this book.
I hope she got a raise after all she did for her library!
When RoseAleta was hired as a new librarian at the Dr. Eugene Lark Library in Lockhart, Texas, she discovered that the library was very underused by the people in town (wouldn't she have learned this during pre-interview sleuthing about where she was going to interview?). The current staff seems generally apathetic, so she brings a new energy to the library personnel. When nothing she does-participates in parades, etc.-brings in children or adults, she re-evaluates the children's department and realizes that they need to update the furniture, computers, books, and more.
Of course, upgrades like these take money, and, of course, the library didn't have any money to spare. So RoseAleta endeavors to camp out on the roof of the library until 40,000 dollars is raised for the children's department. (Again, wouldn't she have gotten an idea of what the library's collection and budget were when she interviewed?).
All works out, happy ending, the library gets the money it needed to update the children's department, it is a busy place now, yadda yadda.
I understand that a suspension of belief is needed (maybe) for a story like this to succeed without having readers feel the need to ask questions like mine, but, like I said, I just can't get excited for this book.
I hope she got a raise after all she did for her library!
February 19, 2015
This story describes the lengths to which one librarian was willing to go to raise money for her library. When RoseAleta came to the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, she really livened it up, but realized that she needed more funds than were available to create a space that was appropriate and inviting to children.
She certainly took matters into her own hands and inspired the town to contribute to such a worthy cause. The narrative is short enough to keep a child's attention and fun to read aloud. The illustrations complement the story nicely and really show RoseAleta's determination. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
She certainly took matters into her own hands and inspired the town to contribute to such a worthy cause. The narrative is short enough to keep a child's attention and fun to read aloud. The illustrations complement the story nicely and really show RoseAleta's determination. We really enjoyed reading this book together.
March 26, 2017
Well, I never heard of this woman, RoseAleta Laurell, and her unusual efforts to raise money for the children's room of the library in Lockhart, Texas (the oldest library in Texas) until I read this book. I'm so glad King has retold this story! Wish I'd thought of her fundraising solution! Stephen Gilpin's illustrations lend just a touch of humor and excitement to the story, perfectly matching the character of RoseAleta. Makes me proud to be a librarian! Very inspirational. It should be recommended reading for all librarians, especially aspiring library directors!
December 4, 2012
I just read this book to three fifth grade classes, and they loved it! The teachers were impressed with it as well and everybody liked that it was an AR book:) I have only been working at the library for four months, and am inspired to be an awesome one just like the character in the book!
July 21, 2015
This is a wonderful inspiring story about a librarian. It is a great example of what one person CAN accomplish! We enjoyed reading it together!
February 5, 2018
Its a picture book
The story is ok for kids. Teaches about perseverance and determination even against opposition even if you are the only one doing something.
I did not realize going into this book that it was a children's picture book and that's why my expectations and reality didn't match. But still this book can definitely be read for all that I said above and indeed the illustrations are wonderfully done.
The story is ok for kids. Teaches about perseverance and determination even against opposition even if you are the only one doing something.
I did not realize going into this book that it was a children's picture book and that's why my expectations and reality didn't match. But still this book can definitely be read for all that I said above and indeed the illustrations are wonderfully done.
June 20, 2020
Earlier in the month, I read a picture book “Librarian on the Roof!” by M.G. King with illustrations by Stephen Gilpin. Based on a true story, it was cool to learn someone actually schemed up an original idea to raise money for their library to have a children’s section that kids would actually want to visit. The storytelling fell flat to me but kudos to RoseAleta Laurell of the Dr. Eugene Clark Library in Lockhart, Texas for what she did!
April 30, 2021
I personally loved this book about a librarian who was so passionate about making a place for children in the library that she was willing to show her commitment and get the town involved. I shared it with our self-contained SpEd class and the students and staff all thoroughly enjoyed it as well. One student even gave it a 10 out of 5 stars. It led to a discussion about other causes that people believe in and what you can do to support them without having to risk your life on a roof in a storm.
January 10, 2018
What RoseAleta Laurell did for this beautiful Library in Texas was spectacular! In 1989, she became the Director and decided to raise money for the children's section. In this book you will find out exactly what she did and how she did it. A true story about a woman that wouldn't give up until she had reached her goal!
July 9, 2017
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves libraries, but especially anyone who thinks they're a place meant for children. A fun depiction of a real-life story about a librarian determined to make a difference!
February 13, 2018
A great book based on a true story about a librarian who stays on the roof of the library until the community gets enough money to update the children’s section. It has fun art, an intriguing story told with kid appeal, and an inspiring bent.
February 25, 2018
This book is based on the true story of RoseAleta Laurell. RoseAleta was disappointed in the lack of resources at the library for children so she decided to stay on the roof until enough money was raised to update the library.
March 7, 2018
I always love to read books about libraries/librarians! I would love to visit this library sometime, the oldest library in Texas. I love that there are librarians in the world that will go to great lengths to find funding for children's book and other resources.
July 25, 2018
A fun retelling of a true story about a brave librarian who goes up on the library roof to raise awareness and to raise funds to improve the library, even braving fierce stormy weather. The children I read this to were captivated by the story, and also very worried about the librarian's safety.
August 20, 2018
Summary: The librarian needs to raise money for her children's section. She takes her plea to the roof. She vows to stay up on the roof for a week to get donations.
Review: I actually really liked this. It shows hope and creative problem solving
Review: I actually really liked this. It shows hope and creative problem solving
August 24, 2019
Loved this story based on true events. Makes me proud to be a librarian! Perfect illustrations in a story about an inspirational librarian who raised almost $40000 for the children’s room of a public library in Texas.
November 25, 2020
As a public librarian, I think I have a soft spot for this story. RoseAleta Laurell was creative, and innovative, all in the name of literacy and libraries - especially when it come to services for children. A fun read.
May 26, 2021
This children's book is made for children's librarians. We can truly connect to this book. We never have enough money for our libraries and we will do whatever it takes to help our community. Next time I'm in Lockhart, I'll be sure to visit the library (AFTER I eat some good ol' BBQ!).
April 12, 2022
RoseAleta Laurell is a pride to the librarian profession. She spends a week living on the top of her library building in order to raise money for a new children's room. The book answers many questions except for one: how on earth does she use a restroom during her rooftop vigil?
September 14, 2023
I don't want to camp out on a roof during a tornado though I aspire to be someone who is this passionate about children's books and libraries. Based on the true story, I loved how she got things done even when people told her "no" or that it couldn't be done.
May 26, 2017
Fun and inspiring. Maybe I'm a little biased.
November 13, 2017
A very interesting read.
December 31, 2017
What an amazing librarian! An inspiration! Makes me want to go out and get something done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews