Celebrate National Book Lovers Day at Your Clearwater Library

Celebrate National Book Lovers Day at Your Clearwater Library

Published on August 05, 2026

Every year on Aug. 9, readers across the country celebrate National Book Lovers Day, making it the perfect opportunity to explore the shelves, discover a new author or revisit an old favorite. Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or simply enjoy browsing, the library offers something for every kind of reader.

One of the best parts of visiting the library is the opportunity to discover books you may not have picked up otherwise. A title catches your eye, you wander into a section you've never explored before or a conversation with a librarian leads you to an author you've never read. Every visit has the potential to uncover something new.

If you're not sure where to start, ask a librarian. Library staff spend every day working with the collection and helping readers find books they'll enjoy. Whether you're looking for an award-winning novel, a compelling memoir, a suspenseful mystery or a children's favorite, they're always happy to make recommendations.

Of course, the library collection extends far beyond new releases. You'll find classics, graphic novels, large print books, audiobooks, eBooks and nonfiction on nearly every topic imaginable. A library card gives you access to thousands of books, making it easy to explore new interests without adding to your bookshelf at home.

National Book Lovers Day is also a reminder that every reader is different. Some people read a book every week while others pick one up only occasionally. Some prefer fiction while others gravitate toward history, science or travel. Whatever your interests, there's a good chance you'll find something that fits your taste.

If it's been a while since your last library visit, consider stopping by one of Clearwater's five library locations. Browse the shelves, ask a librarian for a recommendation or pick up a book by an author you've never read before. You might leave with a familiar favorite or something completely unexpected.

Need a place to start? We asked a few Clearwater Public Library System staff members to share one of their favorite books and why they recommend it.

Leslie Walbolt

Beach Library Branch Manager

Favorite book: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Why I recommend it: "The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is my favorite book because it weaves together a story of a mysterious competition and love amidst a circus that thrives in the dark, everything builds upon the next part even though you don't see it, and then suddenly it all makes sense in the most imaginative way and you're left enchanted by having read it."

Aaron Lombard

Librarian at East Community Library

Favorite book: World War Z by Max Brooks

Why I recommend it: "One of my favorite books of all time is World War Z by Max Brooks. This novel gives us a unique perspective of how the undead apocalypse unfolds all around the globe and even shows us a glimpse into the future where humanity finally triumphs against all odds. World War Z is a must-read for zombie and horror lovers alike."

Mercedes Bleattler

Librarian at Main Library

Favorite book: Five Weeks in the Country: A Novel

Why I recommend it: This is a fictionalized account of a true event in 1857 in which Hans Christian Andersen has made a visit to Charles Dickens's family country home outside London. During these five weeks Dickens is making frequent trips to London to pursue an affair with a younger actress and to escape his eccentric guest who has really outstayed his welcome. And to make things worse, an approaching comet is headed to destroy the earth. I enjoyed how she presented a different perspective of the visit through the different characters' stories and a peek into the quirky personalities of two literary giants.

Meredith Kambic

East Community Library Branch Manager

Favorite book: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Why I recommend it: It has a bit of everything - history, romance, fantasy, and mystery! It spans multiple time periods and has many twists that will keep you hooked. Between the main books and all the companion novels and short stories, there's always something new to read. The TV series is pretty good too!