OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries, schools, corporations and organizations worldwide. We deliver the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, streaming media and more to a growing network of 76,000+ partners in 94 countries. If you are a Book Riot frequenter, you probably know that the last two years have been volatile for library staff. First of all, books about LGBTQ+ issues and those written by Black authors are being consistently and systematically challenged across the U.S., as are books about sexual health and education. Then, there’s the continuous debates about library neutrality and our weakened spirits due to COVID-19. The other day, while feeling melancholy at work after the fifth or sixth time reminding someone to keep their mask on, I picked up Dear Librarian, a recently published picture book by Lydia M. Sigwarth and Romina Galotta. Reading Sigwarth’s story managed to instantly cheer me up. While times are hard, there are still wonderful aspects of our job and these picture books provide essential reminders. So, if you are looking to cheer up a tired librarian in your life, here is a list of titles that will make them feel appreciated and valued. While many books about libraries and librarians exist, these serve as important reminders of how, at their best, the responsibilities of public librarianship can be so fulfilling. So there you go — nine uplifting, beautifully illustrated books celebrating librarians. If you think that your favourite book peddler has been feeling burned out, these books are excellent reminders of why we persist.
