The Strashun Library was among the most important Jewish public institutions in Vilna, and indeed in Eastern Europe, prior to its destruction during World War II. Mattityahu Strashun, descended from a long and distinguished line of rabbis, bequeathed his extensive personal library of 5,753 volumes to the Vilna Jewish community on his death in 1885, with instructions that it remain open to all. In the summer of 1941, the Nazis came to Vilna, plundered the library, and shipped many of its books to Germany for deposition at a future Institute for Research into the Jewish Question. When the war ended, the recovery effort began. Against all odds, a number of the greatest treasures of the library could be traced. However, owing to its diverse holdings and its many prewar patrons, a custody battle erupted over the remaining holdings. Who should be heir to the Strashun Library? This book tells the story of the Strashun Library from its creation through the contentious battle for ownership following the war until present day. Pursuant to a settlement in 1958, the remnants of the greatest prewar library in Europe were split between two major institutions: the secular YIVO in the United States and the rabbinic library of Hechal Shlomo in Israel, a compromise that struck at the heart of the library's original unifying mission.

Now a New York Times bestseller, a #1 Indie Bestseller, and the Amazon #1 Best Kids' Book of 2023, readers won't want to miss this story of a little free library guarded by a cat and a boy who takes on the mystery it keeps. When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change. Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself. Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

Big clues come in small packages as Miracle Books owner Nora Pennington and the Secret, Book, and Scone Society attempt to solve a series of murders connected to a bibliophile’s missing books in the latest cozy mystery from New York Times bestselling author Ellery Adams . . . When an elderly Miracle Springs resident, Lucille Wynter, arranges for Nora to deliver an order of books to her creepy, crumbling Southern Gothic mansion on the outskirts of town, Nora doesn’t expect to be invited in. An agoraphobe, Lucille doesn’t leave Wynter House. But when Lucille doesn’t come to the door to collect her books, Nora begins to worry. Forcing her way into Lucille’s dilapidated home, Nora is shocked to find rooms bursting with books and a lifeless Lucille at the foot of her stairs. After reading a note left behind by Lucille, Nora wonders if her death was an accident. Did she fall or was she pushed by someone seeking a valuable item hidden within Wynter House? Lucille’s children are clearly confident the house contains something of value, because they hire Nora to sift through the piles of books. Nora’s obsession with Lucille’s collection becomes cause for concern among her friends in the Secret, Book, and Scone Society—she’s even neglecting her bookshop! But Nora does find something valuable deep inside Wynter House—a revelation about Lucille’s terrible past . . . and a secret worth a small fortune. But there’s someone who’d do anything to keep the truth buried amid the moldering tomes, and it’s up to Nora and her friends to track down a murderer before Wynter House’s lost library claims another victim . . .

When a magical book shows up, Lizzie enters a world of adventure and supernatural wonders. A three book collection full of action, romance, and werewolves, including Lost Library, Spirited Legacy, Defensive Magic, and Necromancy. Lost Library A mysterious book opens up a world of magic! John arrives on Lizzie's doorstep looking for answers she doesn't have. She may have a magical book, but she hasn't a clue what to do with it. And John's revelation that he's werewolf doesn’t help. Take a romp through Lizzie's life as she discovers creatures that go bump in the night and maybe love. Spirited Legacy Spectral visitations in a magical library. Lizzie receives an offer she can't refuse: an internship working in the Lost Library, home to hundreds of spelled books. And to make the deal even sweeter, her prospective boss has offered to act as her magic mentor. What's a girl to say, but yes? Except...there are the questions of her unresolved love affair, her recently acquired arch enemy, and a haunting past. Defensive Magic When wolves fight... What will the neighbors think? After an adventurous trip to Europe, Lizzie and John return home hoping for a little R & R. What they find is no rest at all. Lizzie's got a death threat on her pillow, and John is faced with a pack challenge in their backyard. Soon Lizzie and John find themselves fighting for their lives. But who's masterminding the attacks? Is it Lizzie's old arch-rival Worth? Or does an even greater threat wait for the couple? Necromancy Can a book animate the dead? When dead bugs start flying and a ghost becomes corporeal, all signs point to yes. The effects of the book are contained within the walls of the lost library…for now. Europe’s other world policing agency, frantic for a way to stop the effects of the book’s magic before it spreads, turn to the library’s most promising spell caster Lizzie for help.

Indiana Jones meets Dungeons & Dragons in this action-packed series opener about the secrets of the lost, ancient Forgotten Realms world Is the Library of Cormanthyr just a myth? Or does it still stand . . . somewhere in the most ancient corners of Faerûn? An intrepid human explorer sets out to find the truth and what starts as an archaeological expedition soon becomes a race against time as an undying avenger is determined to protect the secrets of the ancient, xenophobic elven empire of Cormanthyr.

Delve further into the secrets of the Lost Library world with these collected short stories! Clara and Logan's stories include: Rage, Forgiveness, Love, and Moving. Also included is: * Revealed, Max Thornton's introduction to the Texas Lycan pack, * Krampus Gone Wild, a Christmas story featuring Lizzie and John, and * The Covered Mirror, a Halloween story set in the Lost Library world. Author's Note: The stories included in this collection have been previously published individually.

FREE urban fantasy shifter romance, first book in a complete series! A mysterious and magical book: What’s the point of a book that can’t be read? Lizzie hasn’t a clue, but she does know there’s magic afoot. When a handsome stranger shows up on her doorstep asking questions and expecting her to have all the answers, she can’t decide if she wants to thump him or kiss him. And John's revelation that he's a werewolf doesn’t simplify matters. Before Lizzie can catch her breath, she and John are caught up in an evil mastermind’s bid for power. Can she and John put a stop to their newfound enemy's plans? Take a romp through the life of the quirky and well-meaning Lizzie as she discovers magic, creatures that go bump in the night, and maybe love. Lost Library is the first novel in a complete four-book series, including: Lost Library Spirited Legacy Defensive Magic Necromancy. Also in the Lost Library World: Spirelli Paranormal Investigations: Season One, Entombed Lost Library Witches: Witch's Diary Keywords: free first-in-series, free series starter, spells, magic library, free urban fantasy novel, free urban fantasy book, free urban fantasy witches, free urban fantasy romance, free urban fantasy mysteries, free urban fantasy, urban fantasy action, urban fantasy mage, urban fantasy sorcerer, free urban fantasy, free wolf shifters, free werewolf urban fantasy, magical mystery, urban fantasy shifter romance