I recently read Jill Lepore's article in the New Yorker about the creation of children's libraries. It was a novel idea to set aside a space just for children, and even allow children to check out books and take them home. "If you could sign your name, you could borrow a book." I wish I could see one of the original ledgers where children signed out their books.. they must be somewhere!
Even though my two kids are still too young to read on their own, we frequent the library. There is a new one closer to our home, but I prefer to drive to the old one, where I went as a girl with my mom. I check out books with my kids at the same desk.
I've been gone from California for about 15 years, five years away at college, then ten years living in New York City. When I signed up for my new library card, the clerk pulled up my file. I was still in the system.. and I even had a $12 fine.
I'll be sharing some of our favorite books in future posts, but here's one we checked out this week: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. The tale of a sweet crocodile living in Manhattan (a few blocks from my old apartment on East 89th street). I adore the quirky illustrations, and the kids wonder what Lyle will do next. (one in a long series by Bernard Waber)
