A charming question and answer compilation from the files of the New York Public Library.

Like most public libraries, the NYPL has been helping patrons, answering questions and researching problems since their opening. In this quirky compilation they opened up their archives and contemplate, research and respond to dozens of weird and wonderful questions that have been asked over the years. Barry Blitt adds further colour with some gorgeous and cheeky illustrations of the questions.

I really enjoyed the selection of questions and answers provided. Some had me nodding along, others had me scratching my head and many had me googling the suggested books. The illustrations were amusing as well.

My favourite questions and answers were;

Is it possible to keep an octopus in a private home?
Is is proper to go alone to Reno to get a divorce?
What is the social significance of a person playing blind man's bluff?
I received a letter from a friend in the South Seas who says he is in a country where monkeys have no tails. Where is he?
What kind of apple did Eve eat?
Has a cow upper teeth?
Is there a list of museums that might be interested in buying a shrunken head that has been in my family for years?
Where can I rent a guillotine?

An enjoyable meandering read through a variety of topics that fill the library shelves. 4 stars. ( )

I wish the answers included had been the original ones or at least answers accurate to the time period the question was asked. It's still a fun, light collection of wide-ranging topics, though.

Note: I received a finished hardcover copy at an ALA conference. ( )

It was cute. ( )

A fun collection of questions found in the archives at the New York Public Library asked by library users from roughly 1940-1980 with answers crafted by current staff. If you're a library nerd or just enjoy exploring some of the strange questions people ask, this will be a delight. ( )