A review by jklbookdragon
Ex Libris: Stories of Librarians, Libraries, and Lore by Paula Guran

4.0

A few years ago a friend recommended this book. I'd had no luck finding it at libraries or local bookstores, so when COVID-19 closed the libraries, that seemed like a good time to buy it online.  I definitely enjoyed it, and am impressed by the job that Paula Guran did curating this collection of library-themed stories.  I'd say they generally are in the realm of sci-fi/fantasy, but they show a fair amount of range. Some are dark and deal at least indirectly with issues including suicide, AIDS, postapocalyptic life, serial killers, etc. "Special Collections" was way too creepy. Many are quite fun, some involve a lot of action, and a few are rather surreal. Partly due to a desire for more cheerful works during a stressful time, my favorites were "In the House of the Seven Librarians" by Ellen Klages, "In Libres" by Elizabeth Bear, "Summer Reading" by Ken Liu, and "In the Stacks" by Scott Lynch.