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lovelymisanthrope's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
I have always been a huge fan of libraries and have a plethora of wonderful memories participating in the varies summer activities provided by my local library. I have always thought of the library as this perfect place, but "Overdue" thoughtfully challenged that belief and enlightened me on the fact that libraries are not always the picturesque place for those who love reading.
"Overdue" does an immaculate job of covering a wide array of information about libraries: from the history of libraries origins to modern day uses, all with some personal anecdotes from the author's time working in a public library in Washington DC. The beginning of libraries was rife with racism and classism, but as time went on, there were efforts to amend these exclusionary practices. Although libraries have come a long way, there is still so much that needs to be done to truly make the public library as inclusive and helpful to the ENTIRE population. Amanda Oliver really shocked me with her personal anecdotes about some of the rougher encounters she personally experienced at the library, some incidents that caused security to be essential on site.
One element that I was exceptionally interested in was that libraries are often one of the only free places a homeless person can go to in an effort to seek shelter during the day. I am forever fascinated about and seeking to learn more about homelessness, especially in big cities like Washington DC.
This book was incredibly interesting, and a must read for any library lover!
"Overdue" does an immaculate job of covering a wide array of information about libraries: from the history of libraries origins to modern day uses, all with some personal anecdotes from the author's time working in a public library in Washington DC. The beginning of libraries was rife with racism and classism, but as time went on, there were efforts to amend these exclusionary practices. Although libraries have come a long way, there is still so much that needs to be done to truly make the public library as inclusive and helpful to the ENTIRE population. Amanda Oliver really shocked me with her personal anecdotes about some of the rougher encounters she personally experienced at the library, some incidents that caused security to be essential on site.
One element that I was exceptionally interested in was that libraries are often one of the only free places a homeless person can go to in an effort to seek shelter during the day. I am forever fascinated about and seeking to learn more about homelessness, especially in big cities like Washington DC.
This book was incredibly interesting, and a must read for any library lover!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Drug use, Racism, Classism, and Stalking
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Mental illness
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