SOLC17 Day 8/31 Plus NF Picture Books

SOLC #6/31 - 

      I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community for Day Eight of Thirty-One of the Slice of Life Challenge in March.  Thank you, Stacey, Beth, Deb, Betsy, Lanny, Kathleen, Lisa, and Melanie.  

              And, Thanks to Alyson Beecher's Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge at Kidlit Frenzy. Each Wednesday a group of us share non-fiction picture books we believe everyone should know about. The books inspire and teach, and help students if you're a teacher of writing see how others share non-fiction research. 

          It's an older book filled with information and pictures of happy people checking out books! Not everyone in the US has immediate access to books, but many of us do, and all of us should. In the past, my family owned a cabin in the mountains and in a small town on the way there, there is a tiny library with only a part-time librarian, run the rest of the time by volunteers. They continually have a book sale going, too, and we often stopped to see what was available, sometimes dropped off a donation. I've been very impressed that this town created a library for their community.
         Until seventh grade, I lived in a small town with no library. I remember my excitement when the bookmobile came to town. I was an avid reader, just like now, and checked out so many books, was appreciative of the bookmobile librarian who also drove the vehicle. I did own a lot of books, but finding new ones, having that smart librarian say things like "Have you read this author?" and "I brought this just for you." was a thrill.



          In this book, My Librarian Is A Camel. thirteen countries' "bookmobiles" are shared, including pictures, brief text about the way the check out for each one works, and additional information about the countries and the unique geography that demands a different dispersal of books. One also delivers mail! For example, In Papua, New Guinea, a non-profit organization is dedicated to bringing books to a remote area in that country. Books are brought in a truck up a winding mountain road and then many are carried on volunteers' backs for a four-hour hike further up the mountain. And, on one of England's beaches, a librarian carried a wheelbarrow of books to beach tourists for check-out as they vacation. I was amazed and inspired by the dedication of these librarians. 

       I also researched to find others that I've read in recent years about librarians who bring books whatever way is available or required. Here are a few of those I found. I'm sure there are others. Please share your titles in the comments.

       I moved to my new home a bit over four years ago, and one of the enticements was that the local library is just a block up the street. It's a wonderful library, and the larger system has nearly every book I ever request. Then, like most of you I guess, I just have those books requested sent to my library. Love it!

       If you have fond memories of things like bookmobiles, don't forget to share!






Here's a second book about this book-carrying burro, thanks to Annette Pimental. Thanks, Annette!