Eight top books about libraries

Edwin B. Maxwell is the Chief Librarian of Brooklyn Public Library (BPL). A New York City native, born and raised in the Bronx, he began his career at BPL and worked his way through every level of the system, now leading public service across BPL’s central library and 60 neighborhood branches. Over nearly two decades, he has expanded access, supported youth programming, and helped shape libraries as spaces for connection, learning, and opportunity. He believes deeply that reading, in all its forms, belongs to everyone, and that libraries are essential community spaces that show up as real pillars in their communities, meeting people’s needs in whatever way is needed.

At Lit Hub Maxwell tagged eight favorite books about libraries, including:

Eric Klinenberg, Palaces for the People

A defining argument for libraries as essential civic infrastructure. Klinenberg makes the case that social connection, not just physical buildings and services, is what holds communities together, and few institutions do that more consistently than libraries.

Read about another entry on the list.

--Marshal Zeringue