From the Publisher
A modern library is more than just a collection of books. Children take part in activity workshops and hear story readings given by librarians or authors. Adults go there to surf the Internet, see exhibitions, and learn languages. Libraries have become vast and complicated storehouses of information.
Children's Literature
Although kids may be familiar with their local libraries, they may not realize the magnitude of possibilities available at these special facilities. This detailed book takes readers on a tour of a large public library and introduces youngsters to different library departments including—the lending library, special needs library, book mobile, children's library, audiovisual and multimedia library, special events, reference library, local studies library, business library, rare book library, conservation area, and bindery. The author provides a useful foldout section which closely examines the various areas of a typical library—from the circulation desk and periodical area to the book stacks and computer monitors. In addition to colorful illustrations and fascinating background information, this resource also contains a brief history of libraries, a look at famous libraries around the world, and a glossary. Readers of all ages will enjoy learning about the great opportunities and resources available at their local libraries. Part of the series "Building Works." 1999, Peter Bedrick Books, $16.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
School Library Journal
Gr 4-8-These titles give detailed descriptions of the intricate workings and behind-the-scenes operations of two large, sometimes intimidating institutions. In both volumes, the first spread, which shows the outside of a building, unfolds into a four-page, color-coded, annotated cutaway map of the entire facility. As readers continue on their tours, each area or department is described functionally in brief and interesting texts that often include bits of history or vital vocabulary. The first book includes lending libraries and bookmobiles as well as single-themed collections such as special-needs, children's, multimedia, reference, local history, business, and rare books. The second entry concentrates on the different parts of a theater (foyer, box office, auditorium, pit, stage, wings, etc.) and briefly describes some of the various types of theater (ancient Greek, proscenium, playhouse, street, outdoor, and in-the-round). Both books have detailed illustrations that bring the structures to life and go a long way in helping to describe their functions. Helpful glossaries and indexes round out these outstanding offerings.-Betsy Barnett, Eads School District, CO Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
The latest entry in the series that includes Theatre (2000) and Airport (not reviewed) shows public and behind-the-scenes activities in a large generic public library building. A four-page foldout section introduces all the rooms and services described in the body of the book. Starting with a definition of a library, Malam goes on to show state-of-the-art models of library service within the building. Readers learn about the special features of the adult circulating, reference, and rare-book collections, among others. They see the technology designed to serve patrons with special needs, and the audiovisual and multimedia library. Also included are the children's library and the bookmobile. Sections on conservation, bookbinding, the history of libraries, and important libraries in the world complete the subject. Two pages of text and illustrations for each topic include a number key, which refers to the foldout section. Drawings, sketches, and insets with explanatory pointers give pictorial details that expand on the information in the text. Each section is divided into three parts: a bold-faced title, a two- or three-sentence précis of the subject, and three or four paragraphs of additional information and illustrations. The information on the bindery is particularly good, as it systematically and clearly explains the entire process in words and pictures. A capsule time line of library history written on the spines of untidily shelved books lends a bit of visual humor to this otherwise serious treatment. A glossary and index, as well as an attractive format, help this short book give a lot of information. (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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