Regina Public Library sees generations share love of Harper Lee novels

The Regina Public Library finds people of all ages continue to be impacted by the writing of Harper Lee.

The author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Go Set a Watchman” passed away Friday at the age of 89.

“It’s sad to hear … I’m just privileged that she was able to provide us with some great material while she was here,” Andrea Newland, manager of collections with the library, said following the news.

Newland noted that Lee’s works are considered controvercial, saying that controversy often draws more people to a story.

“It’s great for libraries sometimes to have those materials in our collection because people want to read them.”

When Lee’s follow-up novel was released last year, Newland said the library made sure to have a number of copies of “Go Set a Watchman” in anticipation that people would want to read them. She says they’re still popular items.

When it comes to “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Newland says it’s a book some people read more than once. The novel is often on the list of books read in school, and some people revisit the story later in life when they’re an adult.

Newland says she also sees people sharing the story with their own children.

“I guess it’s just sparked a new generation of people who are interested in Harper Lee.”