9 of the Best Children’s Books About Libraries and Librarians

A whimsical little librarian manages a library that only opens at night, and her owl assistants help her keep it organized. Their animal patrons are quiet and well-behaved until one night a band of squirrels show up to rehearse—and create total commotion! The librarian helps them find a room they can practice inside, but complications continue to arise. This is a surprising, charming book with unexpected plot turns that will keep young readers on their toes.

Lyric McKerrigan has to save the world’s books from Dr. Glockenspiel, and what follows is hilarious, ridiculous and very fun to read. The story itself features a brave, clever librarian at the center of a bunch of hectic good guys vs. bad guys action, and readers will enjoy the silly humor (Dr. Glockenspiel escapes from the “Depository for the Criminally Naughty”—a very Moira Rose-esque way of describing jail, I think). Also, I’m a big fan of Brosgol’s art and it’s definitely at its brightest and wackiest here.

I love this sweet story about Luna and her dad’s day at the library. Coelho’s story implies that Luna’s parents are separated, and shows how the library helps keep her and her father connected as they spend the day together. So, regardless of if you are looking for a book about divorce or one about libraries, this is great for both.

Dusty is a library book without a reader to call his own! Unborrowed, he sits atop a too-high shelf in the children’s section of the library and wishes that someone would find him. Guess what? Eventually, Jake does and we all get a happy ending. (It turns out that Dusty is about dinosaurs so, really, plenty of kids would be interested.)

The illustrations and story are perfectly, heartwarmingly adorable. Bunny loves books and listening to outdoor storytime, but isn’t sure if he’s allowed in the library to get books of his own. Once the season changes and storytime moves inside, he yearns for books to read at home and so breaks into the library. It is all very sweet. Also, because I own a dress very similar to the librarian in the story, I felt seen.

Arturo Schomburg was an Afro-Puerto Rican book collector, historian, and activist, eventually building a library with his collection. While aimed at older kids, this beautifully illustrated book will introduce children to iconic African American historical figures.

Inspired by the story of Luis Soriano, a real-life librarian in rural Colombia who created a mobile library using two burros (donkeys) packed with books. In this adaption, Ana loves stories but only has access to a single book, and because her teacher left town she knows she won’t be able to find another. Then, the BiblioBurro arrives, bringing new books and a promise to come back again with more. I love the incorporation of Spanish words into the text, and the delightful, heart-warming story.

This book is #5 of the Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol series. Desmond loves the library—usually— though maybe less so when there is a ghostly old woman haunting the place? This is an easy, engaging chapter book with a fun premise.

Yasmin loves reading—in fact, she reads a new book daily. On her way home from school, she always stops by Book Uncle’s lending library to pick up another of his recommendations. Until one day, she finds him packing up his books because he doesn’t have the necessary permit to run his library. Yasmin then realizes she needs to find a way to help Book Uncle, making this a meaningful story about activism and friendship.