Libraries are constantly changing and growing, just like us!

With the help of librarians, they are special places where everyone is welcome to find books they love, learn new skills and be a part of the community. From the historic Library of Alexandria to mobile camel libraries and little free libraries at the end of driveways, libraries continue to evolve and reflect the needs of each and every reader.

More than Books flips through the history of written records, from clay tablets to e-readers, and explores why and how humans record and preserve their stories and information. It celebrates librarians who have made a difference throughout history—some who have even smuggled books to keep them from being destroyed during wars. While libraries began as places to protect and preserve knowledge, they have grown into community hubs where everyone can access diverse books, pick up a new hobby and fall in love with reading.

Praise for Margriet Ruurs:

★ "Ruurs writes purely and warmly...She deftly conveys the happiness of peaceful childhood, then the confusion and the fears born of war and migration, and the relief and curiosity of arriving at a new home."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey

Key Selling Points

Explores the past, present and future of libraries, including the evolution of books, unusual libraries around the world and librarians who have made a difference throughout history.
Examines many facets of libraries, including different classification systems like the Brian Deer Classification System, which organizes books from an Indigenous worldview. It also showcases library maker spaces where you can learn 3D printing, podcasting and more.
Introduces readers to an array of famous libraries throughout history, including the Library of Alexandria in Egypt and the Gladstone Library in Wales where you can rent a room and stay the night!
Spotlights library heroes such as Dorothy Porter, whose work helped decolonize library classification systems, and Dolly Parton, whose Imagination Library continues to supply children with books all over the world.
Written as a love letter to librarians everywhere, it teaches kids about the role of librarians and how they are integral to their communities.
Margriet Ruurs is the author of many award-winning books for children, including Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey and Come Read With Me. She works with kids around the world sharing her love of books.