Shannon Staub Book Club: "The Personal Librarian"

This month we will be reading and discussing our 2023 One Book Sarasota pick, "The Personal Librarian" by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.

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 Black.

This title is available through our catalog. It is also available as an eBook and eAudiobook through CloudLibrary. Please visit our front desk or call 941-861-1744 to reserve a copy.

We will be meeting in-person in the Shannon Staub Library Conference Room, as well as virtually on Zoom. Register online to receive the log-in information for the Zoom session.