Overdue: Reckoning with the Public Library

Overdue is a book that explores the story of America's public library system through the experiences of a school librarian in high-poverty neighborhoods of Washington, DC. It highlights the national problems that have existed in libraries since their founding, such as racism, segregation, and economic oppression, and questions whether public librarians can continue to play the many roles they are tasked with.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2024
Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Overdue: A Love Letter to the Public Library System in America is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the complex and often overlooked world of public libraries. Written by Amanda Oliver, a passionate school librarian with a lifelong love for books, the book offers a unique perspective on the role of librarians in modern society.

In her work as a librarian in high-poverty neighborhoods of Washington, DC, Oliver witnessed firsthand the myriad of responsibilities that librarians are expected to fulfill. They serve as mediators, mental health crisis support professionals, customer service representatives, administrators of overdose treatment, ardent defenders of institutionalized mythology, and agents of state surveillance.

The book begins with Oliver's first day at Northwest One, the DC Public Library branch where she eventually concluded her library career. Through her experiences at this branch, Oliver highlights the national problems that have plagued libraries since their inception, at odds with the common romanticization of the library as a shining beacon of equality. These fundamental American problems manifest today in the form of police violence, the opioid epidemic, widespread inaccessibility of affordable housing, and a lack of mental health care nationwide.

Oliver's book raises important questions about the future of public libraries and the roles that librarians can play in addressing the societal challenges facing our communities. Can public librarians continue to fulfill the many roles they are tasked with? Can American society sustain one of its most noble institutions?

While libraries may not be able to save us on their own, Oliver's book helps us imagine what might be possible if we stop expecting them to. It encourages us to reimagine the public library as a hub of creativity, learning, and community engagement, where librarians can play a vital role in promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity.

Overdue is a must-read for anyone who loves books, libraries, and the power of knowledge to transform lives. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication of librarians and a call to action for all who believe in the importance of public libraries in our society.

Weight: 254g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781641609210