The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel

from goodreads

3.5 stars

I have a secret. It is one I have not told many people. Here it is, I wish I was a librarian! I love the smell of books, I love arranging books into categories, I like the way they look on shelves. I of course also like reading books but, man, to be a librarian and decide what books to have in my library and which ones can go. That seems the ultimate power and fun!

Reading this book made me realize that I am not the only person in the world who loves libraries and the order of libraries and everything about libraries. It is very comforting to know that.

Synopsis

This book features and discusses libraries and books from around the world. From the 3rd century B.C. to modern days. It discusses how libraries, whether personal or public, influence our lives and, in some ways, reflect ourselves and our identity.

My Thoughts

Despite the title, this has really little to do with a library at night. It is more metaphorical and figurative. And, despite this being a book about libraries, it was a really interesting read. Some non-fiction makes your eyes glaze over and you forget what you have just read. This book is very easy to read and there is minimal eye glazing. The first two chapters and the last two chapters, were not as interesting to me. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to continue. I am really glad I did.


I like how he started each chapter with personal reflection or insight into his own his own library that he built himself at his property in France. He shares is indecisiveness of how to organize his books and how the way he organizes his books and the shape of the library itself affects how he reads in the space. I had really never thought of it before but it is true, the place you read affects how you read. If you are in a study carrel at university, you are going to read more studiously. If you are wrapped up in cozy blanket in front of a fire with a warm beverage, you will be more relaxed and be able to truly escape into the story. Manguel brings to light other library universal truths, that you know exist but had never thought about before.

I really enjoyed the discussion about shadow libraries. A shadow library is what books are not in the actual library. Why were they taken out or never purchased to begin with? What is not in a library can tell us just as much about a library or a philosophy of a people as what is actually in it, if not more. I also liked his discussion about technology and how we cannot be completely dependent on it and get rid of hard copies of documents and books. It was music to my ears and I was in total agreement with what he said.

After reading this I am interested to read his book A History of Reading. One more to add to my to read list. That thing never gets shorter.

Although it is very readable, this is definitely a book for the book lover and library lover. You need to understand the joy and art of reading to truly appreciate this book and understand what he is saying. So, I won't be getting this book for my husband for Christmas, but otherwise a very good read.