Hidden Libraries

Title: Hidden Libraries: The World's Most Unusual Book Depositories

Author: DC Hulmuth

Publisher: Lonely Planet

Genre: Travel, Libraries, Nonfiction, History

Source: Library

My Review:

I had no intention of reading the entire Hidden Libraries book, but it is a fascinating read. 

The beauty of this book, aside from its focus on books, is that it provides a bit of history about each library, accompanied by pictures. I loved reading about the people who started each of these libraries, many of whom saw a need or had an abundance they wanted to share with others. It really restores your sense of humanity. As someone who loves books, I enjoy the idea of visiting some of these places, especially the ones on the same side of the world as me.

I highly recommend reading, or at least browsing through this book, to find out which libraries are close to you. They are all unique and worth a visit. My husband and I put two on our bucket list.

★★★★★/5

Synopsis (Goodreads):  

Discover 50 of the world's most magnificent hidden libraries — each with a unique and uplifting story to tell — featuring a foreword by librarian, bestselling author, and literary critic Nancy Pearl.

Book swap your latest read in a cool 1950s style fridge in New Zealand or hike through the ethereal woodlands of Eas Mor in Scotland where a hidden library in a small log cabin awaits. Each entry shares the library's mission and impact on the local community and offers fascinating stories from its resident caretaker.

Inside Hidden Libraries:

- 50 enchanting, obscure and astounding libraries from around the world
- Fascinating insider knowledge and unique stories from each library's resident caretaker
- Captivating photos accompany every entry and the exact location of each hidden library is revealed

Featured libraries include:
North America - Idaho: Little Free Library in a Cottonwood Tree; California: The Prison Library Project.
South America - Argentina: The Weapon of Mass Instruction; Colombia: The Biblioburro.
Africa - Egypt: St Catherine's Monastery; Mali: The Timbuktu Manuscripts.
Asia & the Middle East - China: The Lonely Library; Philippines: Reading Club 2000.
Europe - England: Phone Booth Library; Norway: The Future Library.
Oceania & Beyond - Antarctica: The Little Free Library at the South Pole; Outer Space: The International Space Station Library

Written by Diana Helmuth, an award winning author who writes about subjects including travel, nature, and philosophical trends

From the rare to the romantic, this extraordinary guide to our planet's hidden libraries makes the ultimate gift for literature lovers, adventurers, and dreamers alike. Nothing brings people together quite like a good book.