The New York Times February 19 obituary page announced that Betty Ballantine passed away at the age of 99.  If you’re wondering who Betty Ballantine is, she was the publisher who brought paperback books to the United States by establishing the American division of the paperback house for Penguin Books in 1939.

 As her obituary reads “Betty Ballantine… helped transform reading habits in the pre-internet age by introducing inexpensive paperback books to America.” Where a hardcover book would cost between $2-$3, a paperback would only cost a quarter! Because of her work not only were books more available and affordable to own, but new genres began to emerge and become popular.  You can read the NY Times article here. 

So today we’d like to ask you, what is your favorite paperback book?

-Jessica Bielen, Adult Services Librarian 

P.S. Did you know that you can obtain online access to the NY Times with your Livingston library card? Check it out on our website!