Bennett, Alan. The Uncommon Reader (New York: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, c2007) 120 p.

When Queen Elizabeth discovers a City of Westminster Mobile Library parked behind the kitchen at Buckingham Palace her life is changed forever.

'Is one allowed to borrow a book? One doesn't have a ticket?'

'No problem,' said Mr Hutchings.

'One is a pensioner,' said the Queen, not that she was sure that made any difference.

'Ma'am can borrow up to six books.' (p. 7).

Mr. Hutchings the librarian lends her books and she becomes an avid reader.

I just saw the film of Bennett's "The Lady in the Van." I hope someone makes a film of this little gem as well.