As a lifelong reader, I’ve always loved stories about books – and libraries, and bookshops, and the people who love them as much as I do. And The Last Chance Library is a prime example of this genre. It’s funny, heartwarming, and filled to the brim with affection for that heart of the community: the public library. It is also a lovely reminder of the power a place like this has to bring people together and change lives.
28-year-old June Jones once had big dreams for her life, but when her larger-than-life mother became ill, she puts off college to take care of her mom and work at the local village library. Years later, Mum has passed, and June has retreated into her world of books, letting life pass her by. But when budget cuts (and shady business deals) threaten her beloved library, June must break out of her shell and fight alongside its loyal patrons to keep the doors open.
Watching June take control of her life and open up to the people around her was such a rewarding experience. Her impulse to accept her life as it was and convince herself she didn’t actually want to take chances (on people or on dreams) was understandable but obviously hurting and isolating her, so her increasingly bold attempts to fight for the library were a delight to watch. In the process, of course, she also comes to recognize the friends she’s made in her years at the library and draw closer to them.
Which brings us to the real highlight of this story: the community. Sampson understands the important role that even the tiniest libraries play in their communities, providing a safe place to spend the day, access to resources like the internet for school, job searches, and benefits, and also, of course, books filled with wonders to inspire readers young and old. I worked as a library assistant at a tiny public library during college, and the colorful characters that make a library feel like home are all here and brought to life beautifully. I fell in love with them all, from gentle Stanley to firebrand Mrs. B to boy wonder Franklin, and I laughed and cried as they fought for what they loved. Add Chalcot Village to the list of literary travel destinations – if only to taste Leila and Vera’s cakes and listen to Mrs. B’s protest stories! ♥️
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
–b
Book It With Becca 