09/16/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2025 12:00
In just a few poetic lines per page, Nikki Giovanni captures the thrill of stepping into a library as a kid - the quiet, the excitement, the whole world of stories waiting for you. Paired with Erin K. Robinson's bold, colorful illustrations, "A Library" is pure joy for readers of all ages.
What makes this picture book even more powerful is that it's based on Giovanni's real childhood. Growing up in a segregated South, she visited a Carnegie library branch where a kind librarian, Mrs. Long, ensured she had access to every book she wanted. That personal history adds a layer of gratitude and resilience to this celebration of libraries - they aren't just buildings, they're safe havens and gateways to possibility.
And speaking of the magic of libraries, September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! If you haven't gotten your library card yet, this is the perfect time.
You can find "A Library" in e-book and audiobook formatin the IDEA by the ICfL collection via the Libby or Sora app.
There is no upfront cost for a library card if you live within that library's district. With a library card, you have access to books, movies, audiobooks, digital resources, and, of course, that cozy, welcoming feeling Giovanni describes so beautifully.
Whether you're reading this book with your kids, sharing it with a book-loving friend, or grabbing a copy for yourself, "A Library" will make you want to head straight to your local branch. Sign up for a card, pick out a fresh stack of reads, and rediscover how good it feels to get lost in a library.
Recommended for ages 4+.