Librarians Have Created More Than 11,000 Personalized Algorithm-Free Book Lists for Patrons
Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is celebrating the tenth anniversary of BookMatch, a free reading recommendation service. Modeled after Your Next Five, Seattle Public Library's reading recommendation service, BPL librarians have created more than 11,000 lists containing nearly 70,000 unique titles since launching a decade ago.
“At a time when book banning and censorship is at all-time high, I am delighted to celebrate Book Match, which for a decade now has introduced the public to writers and ideas from around the world and around the corner—and maybe in so doing, helping to build a more just and compassionate world,” said Nick Higgins, Chief Librarian, Brooklyn Public Library.
Book Match is free to the public. Anyone can fill out a form describing what they are interested in reading, authors they have enjoyed in the past, other media they enjoy, and more. A librarian then hand selects a list of five titles for every request.
One reader asked for graphic novels that went beyond the superhero, no tights or flights. Another wrote asking for books that would provide insight into her family’s experience immigrating to New York in the 1880s and creating a business which still exists today. Readers asked for audio books that explored grand ideas and nonfiction books about long bicycle trips. A young reader asked for books that featured Greek gods and fairy tales.
Another was looking for books to help her navigate the fact that her life looked different than she was expecting, noting on her form that she wasn't unhappy, but was trying to cope with the grief that comes with life’s unexpected turns. She asked for books which provided perspective about the road not taken.
Requests run the gamut from books for babies to titles for older adults. One request came from a parent who said, “my five-month-old daughter is beginning to show a lot of interest in board books.” Another said “I am writing on behalf of my mom who is 101 years old. So large print for sure.”
And while each request is unique, popular asks include novels set in New York City; memoirs and histories of Brooklyn; thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy audiobooks; and dense intricate novels or nonfiction. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin, an award-winning author based in Brooklyn, has been the most recommended title.
Library interns and teens created their own BookMatch service in 2018, providing book recommendations by teens for teens and creating an estimated 2000 lists to date. Teens receive training in readers’ advisory resources and strategies and meet library and publishing professionals. Then they offer recommendations online, on-the-spot at events, and on BKLYN Future, the library teen’s Instagram account.
On Saturday, August 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., librarians will host BookMatch Live. Stop by to get recommendations on the spot at Central Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza. The Library will also be distributing free bookmarks featuring even more lists from your favorite librarians.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. Providing innovative library service for over 125 years, we support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.6 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We are a global leader in the fight for the freedom to read through our Books Unbanned initiative, offering teens across the US access to the library’s online catalog. We provide nearly 65,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.