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The Last Library

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The Last Library

By: Freya Sampson
Narrated by: Nathalie Pownall
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About this listen

You can tell a lot about a person from the library books they borrow.

Library assistant June knows a lot about the regulars at Chalcot Library, yet they know very little about her. When her mum - the beloved local librarian - passed away eight years ago, June stepped into her shoes. But despite their shared love of books, shy June has never felt she can live up to the village's memory of her mum. Instead, she's retreated into herself and her memories, surviving on Chinese takeaways-for-one and rereading their favourite books at home.

When the library is threatened with closure, a ragtag band of eccentric locals establish the Friends of Chalcot Library campaign. There's gentlemanly pensioner Stanley, who visits the library for the computers and the crosswords, cantankerous Mrs B, who is yet to find a book she approves of, and teenager Chantal, who just wants a quiet place to study away from home. But can they compel reclusive June to join their cause?

If June wants to save the library, she finally has to make some changes to her life: opening up her heart to friendship, opportunities and maybe even more....

©2021 Freya Sampson (P)2021 Bonnier Books UK Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Women's Fiction Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"The Last Library made me laugh, cry, cheer and want to champion all of our fabulous libraries." (Clare Pooley, author of The Authenticity Project)

"A truly lovely and endearing read." (Nina Pottell)

"A powerful reminder about the importance of community, kindness and friendship. A truly stunning debut." (Hannah Tovey, author of The Education of Ivy Edwards)
All stars
Most relevant  
I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book after the first few chapters but I'm so glad I persisted. I've just been crying some gentle tears of mixed happy and sad emotions as the book came to a close.
I highly recommend it.

Such a bittersweet book

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I absolutely loved this book - binge listened in one day!
Set in a small English village it had your typical cast of characters that were easy to fall in love with. The setting reminded me of The Casual Vacancy.

A sweet story

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.