Hi Fellow ME-Libbers,
 
I'd like to draw your attention to a new book illustrated by a colleague.  I
saw the final proofs, and it is indeed wonderful.
 
Full disclosure--there is a lovely illustration of the Rockland Public
Library in the book...
 

"An ideal addition to women's history units." -Booklist

 

MISS MOORE THOUGHT OTHERWISE

How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children

 

by Jan Pinborough, illustrated by Debby Atwell

 

 

Anne Carroll Moore created the first children's room at the New York Public
Library and, in the process, revolutionalized library standards and
practices around the world. Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough,
illustrated by Debby Atwell introduces this influential woman to young
readers just in time for women's history month.  

 

In almost any public library today, you will find shelves brimming with
books for children of all ages. But in 1911-when the New York Public Library
on Fifth Avenue and Forty-Second Street opened its doors for the first
time-many libraries did not allow children to come inside, much less handle
the books and check them out. Pioneering New York Public Library children's
librarian Anne Carroll Moore played an important role in creating the
children's library as we know it today-a child-centered place with story
hours, book-related activities, open book shelves, and borrowing privileges.
Her work served as a model in countries around the world, she encouraged
many important children's authors, and her reviews helped children's books
gain more equal footing with books written for adults.  

 

"I believe that children's libraries are so important-and not just for past
generations," says author Jan Pinborough. "Some might say that technological
advances have made books-and therefore libraries-less relevant and less
worthy of public funding. However, just as many less-advantaged children of
Anne Carroll Moore's day lacked access to books, many of today's
less-advantaged children lack access to e-readers and iPads. My hope for
this book is that it could somehow kindle public interest in and support for
children's libraries and for public libraries in general." Readers can visit
the HMH Kids Facebook page in March for a social media campaign that asks,
"Why do you love your library?" 

 

Jan Pinborough is the managing editor of a children's magazine called
Friend. This is her first children's book. She lives in Utah. Visit
www.janpinborough.com and www.missmoorethoughtotherwise.com.

 

Debby Atwell is the acclaimed illustrator of many books, including Barn,
Pearl and River. She lives in Maine, close to Miss Moore's childhood home. 



 

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough, illustrated by Debby Atwell

Houghton Mifflin . March 2013 . $16.99 . Ages 6 to 9 . ISBN:
978-0-547-47105-1

 
Amy Levine
Library Director
Rockland Public Library
80 Union Street
Rockland, Maine 04841
207-594-0310
207-594-0333 fax
www.rocklandlibrary.org