Famous writers on libraries real or imagined, past and future; why libraries matter and to whom.

Click here to find out more about National Libraries Day 2012.

Do get yourself and your kids down to the library if you can in the run up to 4 February when all sorts of activities are taking place. And don't forget , if you don't use your local library you may lose it.

Synopsis

From Alan Bennett's Baffled at a Bookcase, to Lucy Mangan's Ten Library Rules, famous writers tell us all about how libraries are used and why they're important. Tom Holland writes about libraries in the ancient world, while Seth Godin describes what a library will look like in 2020. Lionel Shriver thinks books are the best investment, Hardeep Singh Kohli makes a confession and Julie Myerson remembers how her career began beside the shelves. Using memoir, history, polemic and some short stories too, The Library Book celebrates 'that place where they lend you books for free' and the people who work there. All royalties go to The Reading Agency, to help their work supporting libraries.

About the Author

The Reading Agency specialises in spreading reading through libraries: it is an independent charity with a mission to inspire more people to read more. They believe that reading changes lives and benefits wider civil society and that everyone has a right to the equal life chances that come with being a reader. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation