Public Libraries - Gifts for Children's Writers

​My local library is the main branch for the county system, so it has lots of good things for writers as well as readers.

​Even if your library is small, investigate by talking to a librarian. You might be amazed at the services and resources, print and digital, that are available.

    Anne Carrol Moore opened the first children's room at the New York Public Library in 1911.

​That led to children's departments like this one in my library. Books and other resources stretching as far as the eye can see.

​I still get a flutter of happiness when I see it.

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This is the new book section, arranged with picture book fiction first. Then chapter books. Those are followed by my special favorites--nonfiction.

I consider this section my personal book store--lots of the newer titles, hand-selected by professionals, and all free!

  No library can stock every title, but most are part of the interlibrary loan system. That means you have access to thousands of books currently residing in other cities and states.

When I was researching my book, The Hole Story of the Doughnut, I used interlibrary loan to borrow books from several New England libraries and many Texas libraries and universities. I was not charged for shipping, but would gladly have paid for such generous sharing.

​Shown below are Shirley Yen, who ordered the books for me, and Daniel Sample, who helped me use the genealogy databases. Thank you!

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   My library card is good for more than books. As I write this, I'm listening to Christmas music from this album I borrowed digitally through Hoopla. I can also borrow movies and audio books without leaving home.

 I'm a career school librarian, so you know how much I love print books. But I still prefer my Kindle -- I can even read in the dark! My library has saved me hundreds of dollars through the loan of Kindle E-books through Overdrive. A few clicks, and like a wish granted, the book magically shows up on my device.

I love the thrill and exclusivity of using the library after hours. I like to go late at night in my PJs. I have the entire library to myself.

​Like a phantom, I put books on hold, get in line for best sellers, and bring home E-books, movies, and books on tape. I wish my father, an inveterate reader, could see how amazing libraries are now.

Be sure you are taking advantage of all the gifts your library has to offer. Talk to a librarian today!

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