This wasn't really what I expected. It does indeed show you what librarians look like, but only librarians from the United States. I would have liked to see a more global picture but otherwise an interesting book.

THIS is the kind of book I was anticipating when I read "Public Library and Other Stories", by Ali Smith, last year. It's filled with photos of librarians in all facets of the position, of all ages and backgrounds, in all types of libraries. Each librarian shares his/her personal thoughts on what it means to be a librarian and the future of libraries. For those working in libraries today, this book is an uplifting affirmation, which is a nice change of pace from all the gloom and doom we hear about libraries today.

I'm not sure how those who think libraries are obsolete would feel about this book. I don't think it's going to change anyone's mind, but I will certainly recommend this to librarians and other library employees.

Yes, Yes, Yes! It is time the stereotypical librarian description of being stern and homely looking is challenged! I love the descriptions that even describe the different and unique programs librarians have introduced into their library! Inspiring for librarians!

An informative and inspiring read that not only speaks to the importance of libraries and librarians, but also showcases the diversity of librarians working in the field, and the passion they have for their work. I'll be asking my library to order a copy.

This collection opened up my eyes to the many library functions that I wasn’t even aware of!

Lovely book showing the diversity within librarianship and interspersed with essays and excerpts reminding us of the value of libraries.

This book was Interesting but was not exactly what I expected. I thought it needed more visuals since the cover made me think it would.

This is the ultimate coffee table book for lovers of books, libraries, and their librarians. And the format is a fantastic journalistic homage to it's subtitle about celebrating libraries, their communities, and accessing information. I downloaded it from Netgalley and even reading it via PC was hard to read, I want the actual print book when it comes out!

There is an introduction, interspersed stories from famous trumpeters of the beauty of librarians including their first experiences, their first experiences with their children. Then there are interspersed stories of the first librarians, championing access to prisoners, libraries that collect ephemera, and more. And then interspersed within THAT are pictures of librarians from all over the United States and their 1-4 sentence tributes about what they stand for, what they think, and how they champion access.

So insightful and inspiring. Much love!

Loved the diversity featured and the reverence shown for libraries and librarians. Beautiful and engaging book.

Note: this does not work as an ebook. Don't waste money on it. Get the actual book. It would make a fantastic coffee table book.

I was pre-approved on Net-Galley for this title and was pretty excited to check it out. The book does not disappoint, but the format did not work. Some of the text fades to SUPER light gray, almost matching the background of my kindle, and the layout just isn't made for ebook. Normally I'm super mean and would deduct stars for that, but I didn't this time, because with the upcoming administration this kind of message is very needed. It humanizes librarians all over and shares their stories, what's important to them, and their message. I do wish the photos were less "school photos" and more informal, but that's personal preference. I think it would have made the book more friendly and less like the scam "who's who" books. The ebook also didn't have an index so I couldn't quickly skim though to see if I knew anyone, or there was anyone from my state. I'm hoping that the finished version does have the index, because it would greatly benefit the book (there's a line that says index in the ebook, so I'm hopeful).

I definitely think this is a fun and useful book for libraries and schools to own, but it's very much a niche title and random people won't really purchase it.

This is a perfectly adequate 'feel good' book, that probably will appeal more to non-librarians than those of us in the profession. The pictures show diversity in the profession, perhaps leading to the conclusion that we are more diverse than we really are., for the lack of diversity is an issue of long standing. The snippets from librarians range from trite to insightful, although often put in terms less familiar to library users than librarians. And the longer pieces from more well known library users are fairly predictable feel-good essays. Ali Smith's new Public Library short story collection offers a more nuanced and insightful look at the real value of libraries to those who use and depend on them. This Is What A Real Librarian Looks Like will spend more time on most coffee tables than in reader's hands and minds.

Librarians often don't look like the stereotype... and neither do libraries! This book is a great look into the evolving role of libraries and librarians in today's world.

I liked this book! I may be prejudice as I work in a library, lol! But I did enjoy reading about the various libraries in history and also loved seeing fellow library employees and reading their comments about what they loved about their work! Yeah all of us! And Yeah to the author, too!

I love the diversity, zeal, heart, and spunk of this collection of librarians' and libraries' stories. It makes me proud to be a librarian. Also, I want to steal that American Girl doll lending idea!

*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher via NetGalley.