A wonderful collection of essays by some successful and talented writers. All in defense and in aid of public libraries (in the UK), a truly laudable cause. 
I particularly enjoyed the essays that were addressing the issue at hand (current UK government looking to close more than 10% of public libraries) and delivering strong and intelligent arguments in favour of keeping libraries open and accessible to everyone. Many contributors told personal (childhood) anecdotes about how libraries (and librarians) influenced and even shaped their lives, often very moving or funny stories that I just loved reading and could totally identify with. I'd have gladly given this collection five stars if it weren't for the dull / superfluous contributions by Seth Godin, China Mieville and Kate Mosse (some creepy ghost story that seemed completely pointless to me and was probably only in there because the protagonist does some volunteer work at a library.... come on!!), but most of the others were great and very enjoyable. 
I will give my copy of this lovely book to our local library for their English language section and hope that back in the UK this book creates some serious buzz amongst people and encourage them to fight for their libraries. A most worthy cause.