I grew up in the era of silent libraries. I have been SHUSHED more than once (or dozens of times) while using a library. So I'm delighted that those special places have become a place for interaction and community. There are silent/private rooms for study, testing, small meetings, or any other need for personal space and rules. But the library itself can include conversations with librarians, clicking keyboards, friends or family reading quietly together, or other interactions and socializing activities. This new contemporary picture book features a young fella who is very sound-sensitive, ORSON and the LOUDEST LIBRARY, written by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Stephanie Roth Sisson.
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| Astra Books for YOUNG READERS, 2025 |
The very good news about ORSON is that he loves books and reading. His loving home provides plenty of books and reading opportunities for him, all of which are QUIET!
(Side note-- in these times of major stresses on public and school libraries, including censorship, failed referenda, withholding public dollars supporting their essential services, and more, ORSON's public library is celebrating a grand reopening after updating and investing in maximizing its services and functions.)
When Gordon arrives at the reopening of his library, it is full of folks! All ages, all abilities, all interests, and all needs. A few are quiet, but most are NOT! Patrons are trading books, listening to a book talk, helping each other find great books, and more. YIKES! Despite Orson's polite request to the librarian to SHUSH those folks, she points out that all the people he complains about are... reading books, as ORSON loves to do. She will NOT shush any of them!
Naturally, ORSON takes on the shushing role, so he learns about quiet study rooms. Yes, it is very quiet, but he knows that those other folks are out there, in the not-silent library spaces, doing loads of fun things with books and letters and others! The results are terrific- when ORSON finds the fun of sharing library and book activities, and the patrons find the fun in ORSON!
Do yourself a favor. Spend some time in a library this weekend. Thank those librarians. Pay attention to your community and its support of the local public library (and school libraries). Their role in keeping our communities connected, informed, strong, and READING is priceless.
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