Libraries in Troubled Times

Janet Skeslien Charles is the author of Moonlight in Odessa. Her shorter work has appeared in revues such as Slice and Montana Noir. When she worked at the American Library in Paris she became interested in the incredible true story of the librarians who stood up to the Nazi “Book Protector.” This story became the source for The Paris Library (Atria Books) a story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together. The story takes us to Paris, 1939. Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile get unspeakable betrayal. Fast forward to Montana, 1983.Lily is a lonely teenager and her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As she learns more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language and much more, including a dark secret from the past connects them. Kirkus Reviews called it “Intelligent and sensuously rich […] A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries.”

Audrey Chapuis has worked in libraries for twenty years including Widener Library in the Harvard College Library system and the Pritzker Legal Research Center at the Northwestern University School of Law, where she was head of the Access Services department. She received her Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois in 2006 and her ALB in Extension Studies, cum laude from Harvard University. She is currently the director of the American Library in Paris.

Ray Baker is the Director of the Miami-Dade Public Library System. He previously served as Interim Director and Assistant Director. He is responsible for oversight of a library system with 50 service locations and a service area of approximately 2.5 million residents. Mr. Baker serves as Past President on the Board of Directors for the Southeast Florida Library and Information Network and as a member of the Florida Library Association’s Advocacy and Legislative Committee. He holds a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida, a master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami, and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.

Nancy Pearl is a bestselling author, librarian, literary critic, and devoted reader. She can be heard on NPR’s Morning Edition and KWGS-FM in Tulsa, Oklahoma, discussing her favorite books. Her monthly television show, Book Lust with Nancy Pearl, features interviews with authors, poets, and other literary figures. Jeff Schwager is a writer, editor, producer, and playwright who has also had a successful career as an entertainment and media executive. He has written extensively on books, movies, music, and theater, and has interviewed many of the most esteemed artists in each of those mediums. With a Foreword by Susan Orlean, The Writer’s Library (Harper Collins) presents twenty-three of today’s living literary legends, including Donna Tartt, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Andrew Sean Greer, Laila Lalami, Jennifer Egan, Louise Erdrich, Luis Alberto Urrea and Michael Chabon, as they discuss the books that made them think, brought them joy, and changed their lives. A love letter to books and a celebration of wordsmiths, The Writer’s Library is a treasure for anyone who has been moved by the written word.