The Man Who Loved Libraries: The Story of Andrew Carnegie, written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Katty Maurey. Owlkids, 2017. $18.95 ages 8 and up

"Andrew went right to work to help support his family. He and his father found jobs at the Anchor Cotton Mills, where giant looms did the very work that Andrew's father had once done at home. Andrew was a bobbin boy, scurrying around the factory floor, removing full bobbins from the machines and replacing them with empty ones. He worked twelve hours a day ... "

I know Andrew Carnegie's name; I did not know his story. As so often happens when I read a picture book biography, I come away from the reading with more knowledge and a better understanding for people that others consider heroes.

His life story is very interesting, as is his legacy. Living in poverty when his father's fine woven linens were no longer viable because of the growing number of mills producing cheaper clothing, the family decided to emigrate from Scotland to America where some family members were already living.

Working at any job he could get, Andrew quickly made his presence known. His work ethic strong, his resolve clear, he found time to learn as much as he could. He was very good at the jobs he held, and he knew education was key to a better future. He could not afford the books he wanted to read. Luckily, Colonel Anderson willingly shared his library with those wanting to make their lives better.

"Andrew loved Colonel Anderson's
library. He loved its warmth and light.
He loved to borrow the books that
filled its shelves. He especially loved to
read them.

The more he read, the more he learned."

With his growing education and a head full of ideas, Andrew made remarkable progress in his work. Soon he was supporting his family, and using what money he had left to take advantage of investment opportunities. He did not keep the money he made. Instead, he remembered what the colonel's library had meant to him. Today, there are 125 Carnegie libraries in Canada (most in Ontario), more than 1600 in the United States, 650 in the United Kingdom and others scattered around the world. It is a pretty remarkable thing he and his family did.

Simply and chronologically presented, it is a clear message that we can make a difference when we give back in whatever way possible and meaningful. The art is done in a mellow palette, and places
the story clearly in the 19th and early 20th century. The grandeur of the library built in his home village is evident, as is Mr. Carnegie's pleasure at its official opening.

Back matter adds context, archival photographs, and a list of sources for further study.