Improbable Libraries - Hardcover

Alex Johnson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0500517770 ISBN 13: 9780500517772

Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd, 2015

Synopsis

From the rise of the egalitarian Little Free Library movement (motto: Take a book, return a book) to the growth in luxury hotel libraries, Alex Johnson whose parents were both librarians maps out the history and future of the 21st-century library revolution in seven thematic chapters, each consisting of a brief essay followed by illustrated project profiles. Whether by bike in Chicago or by donkey in Colombia, librarians all over the world are coming up with astonishingly ingenious ways of ensuring their books reach the people who need them. Many of these new libraries function as community centres, and assist their members in overcoming economic, social and political barriers. Others provide an unexpected dose of culture for travellers and commuters or even prisoners. Elsewhere, architects are designing monumental public libraries without walls, and prefabricated home libraries that can be assembled in an ordinary back garden. Whether youre at an airport, a park, a café or in the wilds, you can still find just the right book all for free.

About this title

Review:

One is struck by the diversity of problem-solving and the generosity of the reading community. --World of Interiors

The library as we know it won't be shelved just yet. --Sunday Herald (Glasgow)

This wonderful little book charts the ingenious ways that the 21st century is finding to keep books at the forefront of our culture. --countryandtownhouse.com

Well researched and fascinating. --Saga

A timely celebration of book-shrines in all their guises. --twinfactory.co.uk

This book showcases how librarians will always find a way to bring the written word to the masses. --Retirement Today

The projects detailed in this book ... affirm that new chapters are opening in the story of how we enjoy literature. --The Times

Quirky ... shows that if we don't want to go to the library, the library will come to us. --Independent

Unusual and amusing. --The Bookseller

Delightful photographs ... anybody who loves books will be fascinated and cheered up. --Mature Times

About the Author:

Alex Johnson is a regular contributor to the Independent and Enterprise Nation, and the founding editor/publisher of two internationally popular blogs, Shedworking and Bookshelf.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thames and Hudson Ltd
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0500517770
• ISBN 13: 9780500517772
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240