Read Around Town: The Library

In my latest blog series, Read Around Town, I'm highlighting picture books that celebrate the people and places in a young child's immediate community. These would work well for preschool classes or homeschool groups taking tours of local businesses, or for any child interested in learning about his or her neighborhood. Today's books are all about the public library.

I Took My Frog to the Library by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Blanche Sims
When animals come to the library, their wild behavior makes it difficult for other library users to enjoy themselves.

Quiet! There’s a Canary in the Library by Don Freeman
At the library, a girl's imagination runs away with her as she considers what it would be like if she were the librarian and animals were her patrons.

The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris, illustrated by Brad Sneed
Every day after school Melvin visits the library, where the librarians help him find books on every subject that interests him. Even when Melvin goes off to college, he never forgets the librarians who influenced him during childhood.

Otto the Book Bear by Katie Cleminson
Otto, a bear who lives inside a book, seeks refuge in a library after he loses his home.

D.W.’s Library Card by Marc Brown
When D.W. gets her own library card, she is frustrated by having to wait for the book she wants, and horrified by the thought of losing her card over a lost or damaged book.

Stella Louella’s Runaway Book by Lisa Campbell Ernst
Stella Louella's lost library book takes her on a wild goose chase all around town, where various helpers in the community give her clues as to where it went, while also revealing to the reader hints about which book Stella Louella borrowed.

Library Lily by Gillian Shields, illustrated by Francesca Chessa
Lily loves books, but her new friend, Millie, does not. In this story, the two girls learn from each other and have many adventures together.

Read It, Don’t Eat It by Ian Schoenherr
This book lists rules for the proper treatment of library books, accompanied by illustrations of animals acting out the wrong things to do.

Leo Loves Baby Time by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Ruth Hearson
Every Wednesday, Leo goes to baby time at the library, where he sings and plays with all his friends.

Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
After the library is closed, the bats swoop in through an open window to have their own night of literary fun.