Poor June has lived most of her life hidden away from the world, maybe not literally, but most definitely figuratively, although she once had dreams of a bigger life. She has always been bookish, withdrawn and not like the other girls. She's grown up feeling like her mother was her only real ally and when her mother died, June was left adrift and with paralyzing grief. Years after her mother's death, June has not changed a single thing in the home they shared. She goes to work, she gets carryout from the Chen's takeout, and she spends her evenings at home alone, apart from her books and a dog who doesn't really like her.

Let's see if you recognize June: she's the girl that goes to a hen party (aka bachelorette party) dressed as Hermoine Granger while all of the other young women are dressed up as sexy characters. When they play "never have I ever," June never has to take a drink, not even when one of the ladies cruelly throws in "never have I ever had sex." But she's also the person who helps an elderly gentleman sign into his email account every single day because he can't remember his password; she steers a bright young boy to the books that will challenge and entertain him; she treats the patron who complains about every single book she checks out with the same kindness as she does every other patron. You cannot help but cheer for her; she's a good person who deserves good things.

You and I both know that a book that begins like that is going to end up with June finding her voice and her own life by the end of the book, probably a boyfriend and maybe even the family she didn't even know she'd had all along. Knowing that is one of the reasons I picked up this book - I needed a book that was going to give me exactly the ending I expected. Well, maybe not exactly the ending I was expecting. Sampson gave me just enough sadness to save the book from being too syrupy and threw in a couple of twists that kept things from becoming too predictable. It's light fare, to be sure; but sometimes light fare is just what you need.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for an early copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I love a book about books! So this was enticing -- lonely June is thrust into a mad dash to save her local library which is not only her lifeline, but the center of an entire community, as libraries often are. There are many great characters in this book and quite a few life lessons, but it fell a bit flat for me otherwise. I had a hard time understanding June and her motivations and her lifestyle -- I get that we all feel trapped sometimes and that grief can turn life on its head, but really, girl, go outside sometimes. Otherwise, this was a fun adventure in community organizing and its benefits! 3 stars.

A small town tries to fight the closure of their library. Quite a lot of eccentric characters with lots of opinions. June, the library assistant is threaten by the closure and tries to find her voice but will she be able to come of of her shell to save her job?

I have to say that this book started out a bit slow for me. Part of it was the pacing as the momentum in the community to save the library grew, but part was how unsympathetic the protagonist seemed to me. June's personality was so timid that I had a hard time caring what happened to her and sometimes even wanted to grab her and shake her for being so meek and shy. But once she decided to make an effort, then things picked up speed and became more interesting. The shutdown and/or consolidation of branch libraries is all too common in real life, but there are additional factors that make this particular closure entertaining to read about. The patrons are such a variety of characters - retirees needing computer help, youngsters who are voracious readers or looking for a quiet study space, the knitting club, the children's story hour attendees, etc. - that there are plenty of commonalities to form connections with readers. There are also various subplots of possible romance, underhanded business dealings, grief, and pressure to participate in a former friend's wedding events, just to mention a few. Readers who find the drive to save the library a bit slow to take action will have these other storylines to keep them occupied while they wait. In the end, the story is not just about the library itself getting a second chance but also many of the patrons and workers within it. If you enjoy realistic fiction about small communities and joining a good cause, then you should "check out" The Last Chance Library.

The beloved library can't be shut down.

What will the people of Chalcot Library do without this meeting place and the books?

June worked as a library assistant and was a very shy, sheltered person.

Learning that the city was going to shut down the library was devastating to her. June knew nothing else.

Her library wasn't just about books, it was also about the people in the town having some place to go to socialize.

When some of the older patrons decided to fight about keeping the library, June joined in too.

THE LAST CHANCE LIBRARY is a sweet, feel-good read and has great characters.

Some are funny, some are feisty, and some are just loyal library patrons.

Fighting to keep libraries open is a great theme, and one that is echoing all around.

If you need a read that will make you smile, add this book to your reading queue.

It is a tribute to libraries, the comfort they provide for its patrons, and for everyone who uses the library for books and friendship.

I KNEW I was going to like this book, but I LOVED it!!

This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

June Jones, shy librarian, has her awakening when the council threatens to close her library. A love letter to books and libraries this book will delight anyone who loves to read.

The Last Chance Library is a charming love letter to the small town library. June Jones has been the librarian assistant in her sleepy British village for years, ever since her Mom passed away. Impossibly shy, she hides in books and quietly takes care of library patrons of all walks of life. When the town council threatens to close her beloved library, a quirky band of citizens unite to save it. Readers will cheer for June as she struggles to come out of her shell to join the cause; and possibly find friendship and love along the way. Readers who enjoy themes of found family, small town life and all kinds of literary references will love The Last Chance Library!

This is the best portrayal of a modern library that I’ve ever read. A celebration of libraries and communities!

It was fine. A cute, quick read for anyone who loves libraries. There were a lot of characters and it became hard to keep track of and things tied up a little to quickly for my taste. Thanks to Netgally for a review copy to read.

3.5 stars

As a book lover, I always enjoy books about libraries, etc. The cast of characters is a nice mix and easy to connect with. There's a bit of a romance angle, but it's not overpowering. June's search for a place to belong will likely resonate with readers, and Stanley reminded me a bit of my grandpa, so I really enjoyed his part in the story.

Overall, this is a charming, lighthearted, and cozy read about a woman who realizes that her job at the local library is about more than helping people find a good book.

Refreshing story about a lonely library clerk who fights to save her local library from being sold off to a coffee shop chain. She also meets someone who might become a romantic interest and thus she opens up her future to a more challenging life.

A cozy, heartwarming book about a village library fighting to stay open, a woman struggling with years' of grief, and a community of people, each more than they appear, coming together to offer support for the library and each other. Also: a voracious reader hates every book she reads, an old school chum may want to get chummy, an ill-tempered cat is ill-tempered, and a wheel of brie takes down three (they deserve it). Perfect for fans of The Authenticity Project!

Brimming with library love and book references, The Last Chance Library follows June Jones, Chalcot's assistant librarian, as the cocoon of safety she's been living in since her mom's death is threatened by an impending vote to close area libraries. An eccentric group of library patrons refuse to let their beloved village library close without a fight. Which is fine with June, except she can't help them. She just can't. She isn't a strong and vibrant leader like her mom — she can't even bear to lead story time at the library — and her hands are tied in other ways as well. But perhaps she could secretly help by investigating what may be troubling motives behind the closure? WWMD? What would Matilda do?

With a touch of mystery, a touch of romance, and an endearing cast of characters, this is a sweet story with flashes of creativity and humor that make it easily forgiven for its ultimate predictability.

Topics, tropes and themes: community, community resources, libraries, books, reading, grief, social safety net, corporate and community development, corruption, depression, self image, family, friends

Content notes: death of a parent, death of a friend, cancer, family estrangement, alcoholism, squatting/houselessness, fear of public speaking, anxiety attacks, social awkwardness and unkindness

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Libraries; Libraries, Libraries! Books, Books, Books, June Jones, Stanley, Mrs. Bransworth hates all books! Alex, Matilda, June, June, June! Stanley saves the library! Did I mention Libraries, Libraries, Libraries? A scrumptious bit of wonderful sweetness about the wonder of the importance of libraries and saving them!

June Jones is an assistant librarian in a small town. Life is passing her by. When the library is threatened with closure June finally comes out other shell. This was an OK book. It had interesting characters but the plot was predictable. There was very little romance in it. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

I’m a sucker for books about libraries. A book about saving a library? I’m sold.

The Last Chance Library follows June Jones, a shy, awkward librarian assistant who is still grieving the loss of her mother. The Charcot Library holds a special place in June’s heart, not only because she is employed there but her mother was also. So when The Charcot Library is threatened with closure, June chooses to force herself out of her comfort zone and do something. The library is more that just a building; in this small town, the value is immeasurable.

The characters in this book are so diverse and well-written. The impact the library had in the small community and its members is something worth fighting for. The character development in June was so satisfying to see. The cast felt real and completely relatable. Last Chance Library showcases friendship, strength, and coming together as a community to enact change.

I recommend this book to any book lover and anyone who values their local library.

Thanks to Berkeley Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

What can I say, I love books about books! This is my favorite trope in books and so I immediately had to request the arc edition. The romance was sweet and although I’m not usually into insta-love, this was cute. laughed and I teared up a little through this book! Solid 4.5 stars!!!

June Jones’ mother Beverley had served as the Director of the Public Library in the small English village of Chalcot since June was four years old. From the time her mother became sick with cancer and died, eighteen year old June began working as a library assistant and spent a decade in this role. Chalcot Library was blessed with a colorful mix of regular patrons, and June had a special knack for meeting all of their library needs. The Chalcot Library served as a second home for June and the other villagers who frequented its doors. Beyond her library position, June lived a very mundane life in her childhood home which was still occupied by her mother’s knickknacks and an aloof cat. June’s only escape was found through her books, which were like long-lost friends to the timid introvert. When the news began to spread that Chalcot Library was one of six libraries in the county to face closure due to lack of funding, June’s livelihood was threatened. She feared that the library that she loved might cease to exist, and wondered how she would manage. The eclectic Chalcot patrons rallied together to oppose the closure, and staged a series of protests. As June and the others bonded to try and save the library, she learned some surprising secrets about some of her patrons, and discovered a side of herself that she didn’t know existed. This is a charming book with well-developed characters, a touch of humor, and a fun storyline. It is a must-read for library supporters and those who love a heartwarming story.

While a cute story of a town rallying around its library, the main character was a little flat. Although her backstory explains some of her behavior, her bland life and dull personality made it hard to want to cheer her along in her journey.

This is one of the best books I've read so far this year! I was rooting for June and the patrons in their efforts to try to save their beloved library. This book is full of humor, a little heartbreak, some intrigue and a little romance. This book is for those who like The Bookshop of Lost Chances and fans of Jenny Colgan.

This was a great story! The writing was excellent, with very good character development. With this pandemic still not over, it was lovely to read a hopeful story.