readers K-2

Mama's Library Summer

Author: Melvina Noel 

Description: Mama takes her two daughters to the library every summer to pick out books about Black people so they can see the struggles, strength, and hope of people who look like them. Mama’s Library Summers is a moving picture book tribute to a strong Black mother, libraries, and the power of reading and of seeing oneself in books. Every summer, Mama takes her two daughters to the library to pick out books. Not just any books--books about Black people. When the two sisters come to the library, they gather up the library, ten books each. Back at home, the three retreat to their favorite reading spots, and the older sister is soon running to freedom alongside Harriet Tubman; reading poetry with Paul Lawrence Dunbar; listening to Martin Luther King say, “I have a dream.” In these books, the older sister sees the struggles, the strength, the love, the hope, and the happiness of people who look like her and never gave up on their dreams. She sees herself.

readers 3-5

Behind my doors

Author: Hena Khan 

Description: Al-Qarawiyyin Library shares the true story of how it was originally founded by a Muslim woman in 859 in Fez, Morocco, and remains the oldest operating library in existence. Merhaba! Welcome! Meet Al-Qarawiyyin Library--the oldest library in the world. Do you want to see what magical treasures are behind its doors? You'll find special reading rooms where young and old gathered to discuss, debate, and discover the world. And, most important, the collection of books that hold knowledge more valuable than any jewels! Open its doors, unlock its story, and discover an adventure that only a library can share. Told from the unique perspective of the library, award-winning author Hena Khan, along with luminous illustrations by Nabila Adani, bring to readers Behind My Doors, a charming ode to the magical wonders of each and every library.

readers 6-8

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library

Author: Chris Grabenstein

Description: When Kyle learns that the world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed the town's new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, he's determined to be there! But the tricky part isn't getting into the library--it's getting out. Because when morning comes, the doors stay locked. Kyle and the other kids must solve every clue and figure out every secret puzzle to find the hidden escape route!