Magical Libraries & Librarians: Must-Read Book Recommendations
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Libraries are already magical places, but they become even more enchanting when you add a fantasy touch. In our latest podcast episode, I sat down with bestselling author Cat Sebastian to dive into a fascinating mini-trope: magical libraries and librarians. We chatted about her favorite books that explore this whimsical niche, just in time for Get a Library Card.
In this blog post, I’m sharing some of Cat’s top recommendations, plus a look at why magical libraries continue to captivate readers. Ready to add some bookish magic to your TBR pile? Let’s dive in!
Meet Cat Sebastian
If you’re not already familiar with Cat Sebastian, she’s the author behind popular queer historical romances like The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes. Known for her witty, heartfelt stories, Cat joined me on the podcast to talk about her latest book and share some of her favorite recommendations with a magical twist.
Cat’s love for libraries is strong, and this episode brought out some of the most magical settings that blend the wonder of books with the excitement of the supernatural.
Why We Love Magical Libraries
So, what’s the appeal of magical libraries? For book lovers, libraries are already a sacred space filled with endless possibilities, knowledge, and adventure. Add in elements of fantasy—like hidden knowledge, powerful spells, or alternate universes—and libraries take on a new life, becoming central hubs for adventure and mystery.
During our conversation, Cat talked about how magical libraries create the perfect setting for characters to make questionable life choices while exploring the unknown. It’s no wonder these stories draw us in and keep us hooked.
Cat Sebastian’s Magical Library Book Recommendations
1. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
In this dark academic fantasy, a group of gifted individuals are given access to the legendary Library of Alexandria, a place believed to hold arcane knowledge. With stakes this high, the characters must decide how far they’ll go for power, even if it means betraying one another. Cat was hooked by the sprawling, character-driven narrative, and she credits Olivie Blake for creating a truly immersive world. Fans of dark academia and morally complex characters will love this one.
Why Cat Loves It: “I was obsessed with this world. I couldn’t put the book down—it was like chasing a reading high.”
2. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In Matt Haig’s poignant novel, the main character stumbles upon a library that contains alternate versions of her life. Each book on the shelves represents a different path she could have taken if she’d made different choices. As she explores the various possibilities, she discovers what truly matters in life. Cat mentioned that this book made her cry multiple times, and it resonated deeply with her. If you’ve ever wondered “what if,” this book is a must-read.
Why Cat Loves It: “I cried seven times—it’s such an emotional journey.”
3. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske
This historical fantasy romance is a delightful blend of magical mysteries and romance. The story follows a good-natured himbo and a prickly librarian/archivist who must solve magical crimes together. With its witty banter and romantic tension, this book is perfect for readers who love a good opposites-attract dynamic. According to Cat, the librarian/himbo combo is a trope we need more of!
Why Cat Loves It: “I even created a tag in my book spreadsheet: himbo/librarian. It’s the dynamic I want more of!”
4. In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan
In this comfort read, children from our world are selected to attend a magical school in another realm. However, the main character, Elliot, is skeptical from the start, questioning why they’re being trained to fight wars when they could be studying in the library instead. Elliot’s journey is one of growth and discovery, and Cat loves how the book combines humor, magic, and cleverness in a way that’s perfect for fans of magical schools and smart-mouthed protagonists.
Why Cat Loves It: “Elliot is such a jerk at first, but it’s so rewarding to watch him come into his own.”
What’s Next for Cat Sebastian
In addition to discussing magical libraries, Cat shared exciting news about her upcoming projects. Her latest historical romance, The Perfect Crimes of Marian Hayes, is a queer historical full of humor, blackmail, and disaster bisexuals—definitely one to add to your list if you haven’t already! You can follow Cat on Twitter and Instagram @CatSWrites for more updates.
Why You Should Read These Books
If you love stories about books and libraries, these recommendations from Cat Sebastian are a must. Each explores magical libraries differently—from dark academia to romance to emotional journeys. There’s no better time to celebrate Get a Library Card than by diving into these captivating reads.
Whether you’re looking for a comfortable read or a thrilling fantasy, these books will remind you of the magic libraries bring into our lives—real and imagined.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Want to hear more about magical libraries and what Cat Sebastian has been reading? Listen to the full podcast episode [here] and check out all the fun recommendations!
With magical librarians, mysterious libraries, and plenty of adventure, these books will transport you to worlds where anything is possible—just by opening a book.