“Libraries raised me… I believe in libraries because most students don’t have any money. When I graduated from high school during the Depression, we had no money. I couldn’t go to college, so I went to the library three days a week for 10 years.” – Ray Bradbury
This month, we celebrate the birthdays of Ray Bradbury and nine other well-known authors who have left an indelible mark on literature:
- Herman Melville (August 1, 1819) – Moby Dick: Initially poorly received, this lengthy novel is now considered a cornerstone of American literature.
- JoJo Moyes (August 4, 1969) – Me Before You, The Last Letter From Your Lover, Giver of Stars: Moyes persisted through early rejections and became a best-selling author.
- David Baldacci (August 5, 1960) – Absolute Power, The Christmas Train: A former attorney, Baldacci and his wife co-founded the Wish You Well Foundation to combat illiteracy in the U.S.
- Suzanne Collins (August 10, 1962) – The Hunger Games: Collins started her career in children’s television before creating the wildly successful Hunger Games
- Sue Monk Kidd (August 12, 1948) – The Secret Life of Bees, The Book of Longings: Kidd is renowned for her meticulously researched historical fiction.
- Danielle Steel (August 17, 1947) – Safe Harbour, Echoes, The Kiss: The fourth best-selling fiction writer of all time, following Shakespeare.
- Veronica Roth (August 19, 1988) – Divergent trilogy: Roth penned Divergent during her senior year at Northwestern University.
- Ray Bradbury (August 22, 1920) – Fahrenheit 451, The Illustrated Man: Despite limited formal education, Bradbury became a pivotal figure in 20th-century science fiction.
- John Green (August 24, 1977) – The Fault in Our Stars: Green’s work as a hospital chaplain inspired his storytelling and career as an author.
- Mary Shelley (August 30, 1797) – Frankenstein: Shelley’s debut novel, a tale of creation and consequence, launched her literary career.
Bradbury’s story reminds us of the power of libraries to educate and inspire, regardless of one’s circumstances. Today, your library continues to offer free access to a vast array of resources—both physical and digital—all available with your library card. Celebrate the legacy of these authors and discover new favorites. Come on in!
“Libraries rock! Not a sermon, just a fact. As a kid I was a library rat and books changed my life. They can change yours.” ~ David Baldacci