As West Sussex libraries celebrate their centenary, we have been asking our librarians to tell us about their favourite book. Sharon Peskett is a Senior Library Assistant at Worthing Library. She offers her choice.

“I’m probably what you would describe as a voracious reader, that person with a precariously tall ‘to be read’ pile and an equally long list of reservations on my library card. Whilst I couldn’t begin to write about my favourite book because it would be almost impossible to choose just one, I can confidently recommend titles that I have loved. My favourite books tend to be the ones that either make me cry or contain quite brutal subject matter but for this review I am going to choose something that I found uplifting and heartwarming.

“West Sussex Library Service offers a yearly reading challenge which has proven to be a brilliant way of making me read outside of my normal chosen genres and has introduced me to some fabulous fiction and non-fiction titles that I may not have otherwise selected. One monthly challenge was to read a translated book. I never imagined I would enjoy a Japanese translation and deliberately chose this book because it was only 246 pages long (and had a cat on the cover!). Thank goodness I did because this novel was an absolute joy to read and one that I immediately wanted to gift to friends and family.

“What You Are Looking For Is In The Library by Japanese bestselling author Michiko Aoyama (translated by Alison Watts) follows the stories of five individuals who are all searching for a purpose or a ‘new direction’ in life.

“Sayuri Komachi is the enigmatic and larger than life librarian of the Community House Library who has an unusual talent for recommending precisely the right titles for each reader. She is able to sense exactly what her readers are searching for in life. Each visitor to Community House is asked ‘What are you looking for?’ and Sayuri Komachi then produces a list of recommendations, including a title that each character may not even realise that they need. Alongside the list, each person receives a ‘bonus gift’ in the form of a small felt figure handcrafted by the mysterious librarian herself.

“Tomoka Fujiki is a sales assistant who is disappointed that her work does not add value to her life. She visits Community House to enrol on a computer literacy course and at the same time discovers the library. Ryo Urase works in the accounts department of a furniture manufacturer. He dreams of quitting his job to open his own shop, spending his days speaking to like-minded antiques lovers. Natsumi Sakitani is a former magazine editor who returns to work after maternity leave to find that she has been transferred to another department, a decision made without consultation. She struggles with her need to branch out but also to maintain her work-life balance. Aspiring illustrator Hiroya Suda has somewhat lost his way in life but still dreams of becoming an artist. Out shopping for daikon, Hiroya spots one of Ms Komachi’s felt mascots on a market stall which in turn leads him to the Community House. Masao Gonno is a recent retiree. After a life devoted to his career at Kuremiyado, a company producing the famous Honeydome cookies, Masao is now questioning his worth in society. Filling his time with a new hobby leads him to Community House and the wisdom of Sayuri Komachi.

“Each of the five chapters tells the tale of one of the characters. They read like individual short stories but are interconnected with tiny details. I loved this book because it focuses on the role of libraries and librarians and the positive impact that reading can have on a person. It provided an insight into Japanese culture which I found fascinating. All of the characters really come to life but the mystical quality of Sayuri Komachi’s character is interesting and left me wanting to know much more about her. This is an insightful and joyous book that I know I will definitely pick up and read again. If you want a book to lift your spirits, this is the one.”

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Coming up from the library service...

“We are excited to launch our 2026 reading challenge: My Year of Reading.

“Throughout the year you’ll explore 12 themes, each one encouraging you to build small, meaningful reading moments into your routine, improving your wellbeing. For example, did you know that reading can significantly reduce stress and improve concentration?

“Everyone is welcome to join in the new reading challenge; individuals, reading groups and families taking part in the challenge together.

“We will be starting in January with the theme read a short book or short story. Take a look at our website for recommended titles

“2026 is also the National Year of Reading; look out for more information in January’s newsletter.

“Your next favourite story is waiting…