Libraries in Literature

Books always have a place in libraries (who knew?) but sometimes libraries have a place in books. I thought that as libraries are in the midst of a fight for survival at the moment, why not have a look at some of the libraries that are immortalised on the page.

Possession by A.S. Byatt: Now, if you're an English literature graduate, there couldn't be a more perfect read. The novel opens in the London Library and opens it up as a site of academia, knowledge and, above all, mystery. The London Library was founded in 1841 and situated in London's St James's Square.

Atonement by Ian McEwan: Used slightly less as a literary institution... more for a sneaky moment of passion and a subsequent misunderstanding that proves to be the novel's pivotal scene. In the film the library was shot at Stokesay Court in Shropshire, England and it is believed that some of the bookcases were left behind and are still there.

Matilda by Roald Dahl: If I stumble back to my childhood, one of the first libraries I came across was the place of respite for one of my favourite children's characters, Matilda. In the film of the novel, the library scenes were shot at the University of Southern California in the lobby and reference room of its Doheny Library. (P.S. the library set in the RSC musical is phenomenal...)

Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin: Rankin himself spent a lot of time at Edinburgh's National Library and Central Library researching his PhD and so it is no surprise that it appears in his first Rebus novel. Rather than full of academics and young authors, however, the fictional version is much more action-packed!

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: Finally, my all-time favourite fictional library... the Hogwarts Library. Irma Prince, floating books, recipes for pollyjuice potion, Hogwarts a History, Quidditch Through the Ages... its got it all. Let's not forget the library in Diagon Alley, however, where one of the most important books in the series (Tom Riddle's diary) makes its first appearance...

Other books with libraries at the centre include The Swimming Pool Library by Alan Hollinghurst, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett.