Polacco's story is just one of many new publications which provide insights into the personal process of reading, the importance of literacy within families and communities, and the continuing influence of those libraries and librarians in our lives. There are now available more trade books portraying nontraditional images of libraries and librarians. These selections focus on personal, family and community literacy experiences and events. Images are included of both women and men as librarians, and both girls and boys are featured as library patrons. The following selections of children's literature provide empowering images and positive messages of literacy, specifically within the context of the community library.
Gibbons uses unbiased illustrations to promote equity of gender, age, race and exceptionality.
The color photographs and unique layout make for a visually appealing tour of a local library in Guilford, Connecticut. The author highlights the variety of collections in bookmobiles, school and public libraries, as well as the vast public holdings of the Library of Congress and the more unconventional collections at Folsom State Prison and aboard the U.S. Naval carriers. Your own library needn't be fancy or neatly organized. It can be a simple shelf or even a trunk. What matters is that you have chosen the books that are there.