1940, London. When Cordelia accepts the post of head librarian in Canning Town library, her mother is more than a little disapproving. The East End has high levels of poverty and illiteracy, and her mother says it's no place for a woman of her status. But Cordelia is determined to make a difference in these times of strife, and along with her colleagues, Jane and Mavis, she begins to help the local community, making sure everyone knows what the library can offer them.

Against a background of war, rationing, and Mrs Montague-Smythe's attempts to derail her efforts, Cordelia has more than her work set out for her. And as the air raids increase in ever-frightening frequency, she will need to hold on to her indomitable spirit, or risk losing it all.