A Library by Nikki Giovanni & Erin K. Robinson

Why this book?

I found this book at my local library before kindergarten class went on a visit there. This book gave a lovely introduction to how books can excite your imagination! I’ll definitely be looking for more of Nikki Giovanni’s work to read for myself. The illustrations in this book were full of texture—and could inspire kids to create interesting art of their own.

My thoughts as a creator:

This is a good example of a book with sparse text –sometimes just a few words on the page to spark thoughts or imagination.

My thoughts as an educator:

This book contains lots of interesting vocabulary (some words, such as “cautious” needed explaining to my kindergarten students). I liked the way this book showed going to the library as part of everyday life. Children could reflect on the ending line and think about how they feel or act differently in different places.

Ages: 4 - 7

Grades: K - 3

Connections: libraries, reading, imagination 

Activities:

Dramatic Play:  Provide bins of books, small book bags and paper to make pretend library cards or books and encourage children to “play library.” Add things to their experience as needed. For example, an old keyboard where they can “check in” books.

Literacy: Draw a picture of a library you have visited. Or design your own library—where would you keep all the books? Draw your favourite place to read.

Art: Look closely at the different textures in the art in this story. Make a painting of one of your favourite place. Add texture by painting with tools such as tooth brushes, mesh vegetable bags, pinecones, etc.  

Description from the publisher:

In this lyrical picture book, world-renowned poet, New York Times bestselling author, and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Nikki Giovanni and fine artist Erin Robinson craft an ode to the magic of a library as a place not only for knowledge but also for imagination, exploration, and escape.

In what other place can a child "sail their dreams" and "surf the rainbow" without ever leaving the room? This ode to libraries is a celebration for everyone who loves stories, from seasoned readers to those just learning to love words, and it will have kids and parents alike imagining where their library can take them.

This inspiring read-aloud includes stunning illustrations and a note from Nikki Giovanni about the importance of libraries in her own childhood.

There Are Always More Books

As I climb the steps, I’m thinking about what’s waiting for me. I open the door, feel the whoosh of cool air and step in. All the possibilities stretch out before me, lined up neatly on their shelves, inviting a look. Middle grade, YA, picture books, novels, cookbooks, new releases, raves & faves. I just love visiting the library!

I have fond memories of hanging out in the basement-like children’s section of the Waverly Resource Library in Thunder Bay, skimming for the next Black Stallion adventure. Browsing the shelves with my firstborn at the Westmount branch in London, Ontario, finding out we loved Kevin Henkes’ Owen, Chrysanthemum and Lilly characters. Or all the storytimes and armloads of books (to feed my second daughter's obsession with Thomas the Tank Engine) we took home from the Lakeview and Mississauga Valley branches in Mississauga.

I wonder how many library books I’ve borrowed in my life time? I usually bring home more than 5, sometimes as many as 15.

Even now, I visit the library at least once a week. I’m always thrilled when I see one of my students (or former students) reading in the library, because sometimes I wonder what will happen to physical libraries with more and more books available on-line.

Actually, downloading online books is one of the ways I use my public library. It’s pretty convenient to read a book on my iPad, into the late hours of the night, since I don’t have to keep a lamp on to disturb my husband.

But I also love physical books. They’re perfect for those moments when I have to wait for someone or to take out on the patio or deck and enjoy with a glass of lemonade. So I use my library to look up books (often recommended by other bloggers) and have them sent to my local branch for pick up. If I can’t find a book, I’ve also been known to contact the library to recommend it for purchase. And I always browse the “new titles” shelf, where I usually find another book or two that looks interesting to pop into my bag.

Anyway, if you’re bored with the kids this summer and it’s raining (it’s been doing a lot of that in my part of the world), think about checking out your local library. As teenagers, my own kids seem to think that going to the library is about as much fun as seeing the dentist, but I’m hoping that’s a phase they grow out of, and that one day they’ll be able to appreciate the library at least a little. And maybe they’ll even find one of my books there.

Do you use your local library? How do you use it? What do you think will happen to libraries in the future?