Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - The Last Library

When library assistant June's library is threatened with closure, the eccentric band of regular customers decide to get together to come up with a plan to stop the local council from succeeding.
A gentle, humourous and, at times, thought-provoking read.

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delz's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This story starts out slowly, but it has to do with the gray cloud of grief that has gripped the main character for the past 8 years. June took care of her dying mom, Beverly, for the 3 years before she died. It was the year June would be taking her A levels and going off to university but 8 years later June is still living in Chalcot, living alone and working as the assistant librarian. June’s mum Beverly was a vivacious, lively woman, who June and many in the community looked up to. She was also the librarian at the Chalcot library. June has been moving through life in a kind of a daze, until the town council announces it will be closing the library due to budget cuts. June wakes up and realizes what her mother helped build and that all the best memories of her mum will be lost forever. There is a crazy cast of characters brought together by the threat to the library, each of whom brings laughter and tears to this lovely story.

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amyrandles1's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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nadiaherondale's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Although it has a bit of a slow start, The Last Chance Library becomes a wholesome read about what makes a community, books, personal growth, friendship and love. Everything I wanted for my last read of the year and more. June is a bit of fresh air in the bookworld, it's not often we see a shy heroine who grows, but still remains a bit reserved, there's nothing wrong with being quiet. And every single one of the characters, and their love for the library, are so well written. Freya Sampson really knows how to capture my heart

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sofiedoo's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A wonderful read, full of references but never obnoxious. The characters are all strong, well-rounded, and well written.

found the end of her getting together with Alex little stretched, he was sweet but the weakest of all the characters, and would have liked June to stand on her own feet at the end, or have a fresh relationship

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aurie1000's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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becca_thegrimreader's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was utterly adorable! I will never say no to a book that is about a library, book lovers, and the fight to save local libraries. The icing on the cake is the unbelievably lovely and feisty elderly characters that I would like to adopt!

June Jones is twenty eight, working at her local library she has built walls to keep people out. When the local council announces it plans to close the library June must break out of her shell to try and save it. June’s self esteem is rock bottom throughout the book, suffering from grief after losing her mother she keeps to herself and feels she’s missed out on life. Any booklover would connect with her as books are her favourite things, they transport her out of her life and into another world. Her journey throughout the book is heartwarming and shows June that she is stronger than she thinks. We meet several regulars of the library, and they are a joy. Mrs B is fiery and passionate woman who will fight against any injustice, Vera is cranky and difficult, while my absolute favourite was Stanley.

This book delves into a small community and touches on the many libraries that are facing closures due to budget cuts. We get a look at what is lost when services such as libraries shut, not only is a valuable resource shut for education, but also a social hub for rural and small communities. There are some hilarious moments in the book that help to lighten the mood after some more heartrending moments. This is definitely a book I’d recommend to any booklovers out there!

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