Overdue

Book 16 of my 2022 Reading Challenge

Overdue: Reckoning with the Public Library

by Amanda Oliver

4 stars

Published in 2022, Overdue combines the author's personal experience as a librarian with research and interviews to talk about public libraries, their current role in society as a safety net, and whether that is sustainable in the future.

I love the line, "No one is without a voice just because the majority have not been listening."  The author was making the point that she's not a "voice for the voiceless" even though she's talking about marginalized people.  The issue isn't that they can't speak for themselves, the issue is that people aren't listening.

This is an IYKYK kind of book.  For those who work in libraries or frequently use them, it's nice to read about someone who is as passionate about the work and necessity.  I used to work in a library and I immediately recommended it to a friend that still works there (and I checked it out from that library so it's very convenient for her to get it too, haha).  I'm in Iowa so I didn't face the continual physical threats the author did in D.C. but even at our small-town library we had to discuss safety and evacuation plans when a community member became so upset at a piece of art we had displayed that he threatened the director with bodily harm.  And everyone who has worked in a library has at least one poop story.

The book feels different from others because it takes it as a given that libraries are important and should remain.  The author doesn't waste any time justifying the need for public libraries and instead jumps right into the use of libraries as safe havens and why it isn't optimal to have them be the catchall or the only option for those who need a place to go.

It was a little long at the end but overall it was a really good reminder that people care (even as they're burnt out and leaving the profession).

Quote from the Book

"Whenever someone approached the circulation desk at the library, it usually began with one question: "Can you help me?" I have heard this asked with humor, anger, sadness, joy, and defeat...It is a question that reflects what all of us want: to be seen, heard, and helped when we ask for help."