Our Blog

It’s National Library Week and today we're drawing special attention to the library’s biggest contributors: the chronically overdue. They’re both a hindrance and a help. They’re the reason you’ve been waiting six months for that bestseller to become available, but their late fees paid for new carpeting at your favorite branch. But they have a legitimate reason for not returning that book on time. Or at least that’s what they told us.

It’s National Library Week and we couldn’t be more excited! While we’re really into the idea of checking out any book we want for free – seriously, how is this a real thing? – today we’re focusing on libraries that go beyond books. These libraries serve their communities in truly innovative ways, tapping into the needs and desires of their patrons to provide incredible public service. So, without further ado, here are our favorite above and beyond libraries.

Though sunbeams to my windows creep

The benefits of rest I reap

I will remain quite fast asleep,

I will remain quite fast asleep.

– Robert Frost, if he had had a good eye mask

Beloved books are popular for a reason, but what if those stories had gone just a little bit… differently? Just a few letters can make a world of difference to a story. We’ve taken a whack at pitching a few classic titles that have taken a bit of a turn for the silly, strange, and ridiculous!

Feel inspired? Share your own pitches for famous novels with a twist @QuirkBooks on twitter with #Pitchatwist!

Editor’s Note: In an effort to keep Quirk E. Cat from napping at his desk, we have assigned him to Advice Column duty. We apologize in advance.

Dear Quirk E. Cat,

I’m finding myself in a reading rut. I’m still reaching for my daily dose of literature, but staying focused and allowing myself to get lost in a novel takes so much more concentration these days. I’m all for reading at my own pace, but I’m a library purist and these days I feel like I’m cramming for an exam when I pick up a book. I used to read one or two books a week, but now I’m lucky if I finish a novel before my library’s three-week due date. Any tips for reigniting the flame that once burned for literature? I really don’t want to be fined by the library. I mean, it’s the library. They know me there.

[Photo by Omar Lopez on Unsplash]

As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re taking some time to applaud the complex female protagonists we know and love. Here are four women who are living their absolute best lives – even if that means being deceptive and making some pretty questionable choices.