Join our monthly book club for an engaging discussion of our latest selection Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict.
New members are always welcome. 12 Copies of Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict will be available for check out from the Montrose Library service desk one month prior to the book club meeting date. Please stop by the Montrose Library, email montroselibrary@glendaleca.gov, or call 818-548-2048 to reserve one of the 12 copies. If we run out of copies, you'd like to pick up a copy at another branch, or you prefer a different book format, you may request a copy here https://glac.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S185C1936642.
Book Description:
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
Parking Information: Library parking is available onsite. Parking entrance is behind the Fire Station and Library buildings on Sunset Ave. Visitors receive 3-hour free parking and 15 minutes drop off parking is available in front of the Library. Accessible parking and wheelchair ramp is available in the parking lot. For additional information about this event, please contact Montrose Library at 818-548-2048 or send us an email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov.
We welcome persons with disabilities to participate in all our programs and events. For accommodations requests, please email LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov .
The Montrose Library, located on the east end of the Montrose Shopping Park, is a classic neighborhood branch library with materials and activities for adults, teens and children. Programs include adult activity based social clubs, teen volunteer programs and children's storytimes. The 1961 building offers a lot of natural light and includes a quiet room in the adult fiction area.
