The Last Chance Library

Bookworms near, far, and of every genre throughout the ages have been united by their love for a unique and special place: the library. Libraries are hardly just buildings that house books: they are dynamic community centers that serve everyone. The youngest patrons come to pore over picture books and attend story times; teens can be found doing homework after school and checking out non-school books for fun, and adults might meet with their local book clubs and writing groups at the library. It might be the most magical, multi-functioning place on earth.

Author Freya Sampson taps into the collective love we have for libraries in her quirky, warm, and fun-filled debut novel, THE LAST CHANCE LIBRARY (Berkley Hardcover; On sale August 31, 2021). In this special novel, a young, quiet librarian finds her voice when her beloved library is threatened with closure.

A book for book lovers, THE LAST CHANCE LIBRARY is perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill. Freya’s debut novel offers a feel-good read that will make you want to give all your love to your local library!

June Jones is a 30-year-old library worker who has never left Chalcot, the sleepy English village where she was raised by her beloved, now-deceased mother. Shy and reclusive, June would rather spend her time at the library, or curled up at home with her cat, buried in books, than do…well, pretty much anything else.

June’s entire world is thrown in to chaos when she learns that the Chalcot Library is in danger of closing permanently. The library is underfunded and underperforming, according to a board of executives in charge of such things. But the people of Chalcot who use the library each day strongly disagree, and decide to push back against the decision.

To keep from saying goodbye to her beloved library, June is forced to emerge from behind the shelves to save the place that holds her happiest memories and the heart of her community.

Meet the Author: Freya Sampson

Freya Sampson works in TV as an executive producer. Her credits include two documentary series for the BBC about the British Royal Family, and a number of factual and entertainment series.

She studied History at Cambridge University and in 2018 was shortlisted for the Exeter Novel Prize.

She lives in London with her husband, two young children and an antisocial cat.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. When was the last time you visited your local (or any) library?