The Inside-Outside Book of Libraries

Inside-Outside

by Julie Cummins, Roxie Munro (Illustrator)

Libraries collect materials that reflect the past and imagine the future, opening windows to the world. Here is a selection of libraries from across America, presented with intriguing shifts of perspective that are the trademark of Roxie Munro’s acclaimed Inside-Outside series.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Books About Books, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Julie Cummins has milked cows and climbed silos, ridden subways and lived in a high-rise. She currently lives in New York City, where she has a spectacular view of the Empire State Building, and vacations in the country, where she enjoys the lake views.

Reviews

[Kaethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated. Strong, still, on the specialized range of libraries, but the Internet and World Wide Web sections, not so much. I would also really like an update to the pages on assistive-reading technology. But it has Patience and Fortitude on the cover, my favorite statues.

Library copy

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrator Roxie Munro and authorJulie Cummins take the reader on a fascinating tour of a variety of libraries across the US. From a tiny, one-room library on Oracoke Island to the World Wide Web, we get to explore many amazing places where patrons gather to read and check out books. There are pages on prison libraries, school libraries, a small library located inside an aircraft carrier, and a Berkeley California library that lends over 2,000 home repair and gardening tools.

This is a book I'd love to look at again, and again.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a penchant for books about books and I love libraries. This is a non-fiction book about various libraries, including some unusual libraries, and even one that lends tools and not books.

It’s funny that my favorite part of this book is the illustrations. Because this is a non-fiction book about various real libraries, I think it would have been more appropriate to have photographs rather than illustrations, but I love the pictures so much, I’m glad they’re there and I enjoyed them more than I would have enjoyed actual photographs.

The New York main library famous outside view is on the cover. Inside there are all sorts of (American) libraries, from city to mobile to prison to school to the Library of Congress, to various home libraries, to tool lending, and so many more. There is a page with real raised Braille but even though there is a translation, it’s not letter by letter, and the section is tiny, so there is no way I could learn to read Braille from it, but it’s a welcome inclusion.

This is a wonderful idea for a book, and I really liked it, but I wish there had been even more to it, especially re the library descriptions. But, it’s a great introduction, and kids who love books and especially those who appreciate libraries are likely to enjoy it, and nearly every reader will learn about libraries new to them.

[Julie Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read for the library lover of any age, although dated now to the point of being about history instead of contemporary as it was intended to be. Stunning, realistic illustrations of the outsides and insides of a variety of unique libraries accompany a brief description of the services each library provides. Readers learn how libraries serve the unique needs of each community/population; it's not just about books. Visit the Library of Congress, a library in Chinatown NYC, a tiny little library in a seaside tourist spot in North Carolina, a library made just for the "physically handicapped" (and feel the braille on the page!), The Explorer's Club library, a library on an aircraft carrier, a maximum security prison, and a tool library.

I enjoyed everything about this book, but again, it's outdated. It introduces the concept of the internet as something brand new and highlights cd-roms and this new, digital library catalog and other such things that made me laugh a little. The author couldn't have known how common-place these thing were going to be someday, and no reader will be amazed that the "handicapped" library has something called "talking books" in this age of audiobooks on our handheld devices. However, it's still a joy to read and would be a great book to use when discussing the importance of the copyright date when using sources for research and how different formats provide different advantages and disadvantages.

Hoping this doesn't get weeded from our elementary library; it's a gem.

[David Haggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book might seem dated (1996 copyright) and some technology has advanced, at its heart, this book rings true in many statements, such as "The value of a library is measured not by floor space or number of books but by its usefulness to the community it serves" as well as "Few things offer the lifelong pleasures that books do."

Ms. Munro and Ms. Cummins cover the Chatham Square Library in New York City's Chinatown, the Ocracoke Library in North Carolina, the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the Andrew Heiskell Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in New York City, the Explorer Club Library in New York City, the Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Library, U.S. Navy, the Folsom State Prison Library in California, the Tool Lending Library in California, the Internet and the World Wide Web, the Meadow Elementary School Ibrary in Plano, Texas, home libraries, bookmobiles, and the New York Public Library in New York City.

[Keshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! If you love books, libraries, you need to read this book!

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting book about libraries. The narrative is comprehensive and covers all kinds of libraries, including ones that serve prison populations and tool lending libraries. It's a bit long and our girls started to lose interest, but what kept them looking were the amazing illustrations. They loved the pictures of the various libraries and so did I. They felt the example of the Braille lettering over and over again and we talked about what it would be like to read through touch instead of sight. And, since libraries are pretty much my favorite places, I just loved the book. I've never been that interested in visiting New York City, but if it's as much of a library mecca as this book makes it out to be, I may have to plan a trip sometime! And the Library of Congress is on our list of places to see, especially since it's so close to where we live. I discovered this book through reading the comments from reviewers on another book (The Secret Code) and I'm glad I did.

[Bunnyhugger]

This illustrated book for children looks at a selection of libraries in the US, from the majestic Library of Congress to a cozy one-room shack in a tiny seaside town. I really enjoyed the paintings (showing the outsides and insides of the buildings) and was delighted to learn that Berkeley (of course!) has a tool library where you can borrow home-improvement or gardening tools - this really needs to catch on! I wish the book had been more expansive as I'm sure there are quite a few unique libraries in this country. However, it did include a prison library, the internet as a wondrous giant library (I read the 1996 edition - I assume the 2008 one updated this section somewhat), The Explorer's Library in NYC, a library for visually and physically impaired, a navy ship library, and personal home libraries. Although the main branch NYPL is shown on the cover, it doesn't appear inside the book (the Chatham branch is featured instead.) Overall, I think this would be a lot of fun to read with a child.

[Deborah Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful children's book on libraries. I enjoyed learning about different libraries around the United States, and how one in CA lets you check out tools such as weed eaters and table saws, what a clever idea!

The part of the book I struggled with, is the prison systems having better libraries and receiving more reading materials then our public school systems do. This has always been hard for me to swallow. I understand they are giving the prisoners a chance to increase their skills and complete their education, but it is still hard for me when so many children go without. And with three-quarters of prisoners being high school drop outs you would think we would spend the money to educate them in the school system...obviously, most children who read this book will not have these feelings! :)

I enjoyed the book and learned quite a bit about public libraries.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a surprisingly interesting book about different libraries, some of which would fall under the category of "special libraries." Some of the libraries I enjoyed learning about were the Ocracoke, NC, library (open 6 hours a week, spread between Friday and Saturday), and the Berkeley (CA) Public Library Tool Lending Library (which has over 2000 tools available for loan, as well as how-to books and videos).

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned about libraries in different states. I learned about the biggest one, and I didn't know that there were a lot of different kinds of libraries, like house libraries, prison libraries, tool libraries, mobile libraries and very small ones. It taught me about books and how other people read books differently, like reading with your hands and listening to books and magnifying them.

[Jazzmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with this book and the very idea of it- touring a handful of fascinating libraries across the country? Yes, please! I couldn't put it down, and it certainly brought out my inner Librarian. I have to say that my favorite was the Ocracoke Library (both its interior and its setting)- talk about coziness.

Recommended for any lover of books, libraries, or someone who enjoys historic libraries and the history of the heritage that is our library system. This book was brimming with interesting details about the dynamics and curiosities of a wide range of libraries in the U.S., from tiny and quaint one-room libraries to prison libraries and the Library of Congress (which it interestingly described the history and start of). The illustrations depict each library so beautifully and with great detail, and this book definitely made me as the reader want to visit them. Highly informative and wonderfully organized.

This is a must-read for students, but it is full of goodness and interest for bibliophiles of all ages. As with many books of this genre, I found myself wanting to copy down a few quotes I rather enjoyed. Two in particular stood out to me as most truly and poignantly describing the vital role our libraries play in our society of learners, dreamers, and knowledge-seekers of every walk of life...

"From spellbinding stories to true adventure, from humorous poetry to mathematics and biography, books enable us to laugh, to dream, to hope- and to envision the future."

"As a treasure-house of thought from which to project the future, as a repository of ideas both familiar and provocative, libraries safeguard intellectual freedom for us all."

[Samantha Ledesma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes you on a tour of all the many different libraries that the United States has to offer. Each library gets to intriguing pages, illustrated beautifully and intricately by Roxie Munro. I loved how busy and detailed the pages were without being cluttered or messy. It's a great representation of libraries themselves, always full and bustling yet still peaceful.

I love the selection of libraries they chose to include, ranging from bookmobiles to the Library of Congress. I visited the Library of Congress in sixth or seventh grade and was enchanted. No one would believe me when I would tell them that it held every book ever written. Learning now from this book that it gains 21 new items a minute is very validating.

If the rest of her series is as accurate and lovely as this, I think I'm going to check it out.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read in this series of inside/outside books. I love the idea of featuring library diversity and the concept of peering through to the inside of each. The illustrations are engaging and there are more layers and surprises to come. The collaborators have chosen a wide variety of libraries, stretching from the smallest to other languages, from mobil to virtual. While the last few pages are a bit dated, I still found value and entertainment in its pages and wanted to share all the fascinating tidbits as I was reading.

[Ms. Tongate, TLC Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book is a must read for Library lovers of all ages. It's packed full of library information. Incredible libraries I wasn't aware of: the Tool Lending Library in California with over 250 tools to checkout for a 3 day period; the seaside Ocracoke Island Library in North Carolina with 750 residents who come by plane, ferry, or boat; and the Abraham Lincoln US Navy Library for the 5,500 who eat,sleep, work on the carrier.

[Laure Hittle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super cool find in our little free library (a type of library that could be added to a second edition!). The ink and watercolor paintings beautifully accompany a fascinating portrait of many different kinds of libraries throughout the U.S. i would love a version of this book that included international libraries—my picture-book friend Ken has told me so much about the one in Vancouver, for example. i love that this book begins with a bilingual library and ends with home libraries.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has some dated parts and a lot of New York libraries but overall I liked it. My favorite was the tool library, I had no idea there was such a thing and wish my city had one! Second favorite was home libraries ❤️ Lots of different types and sizes of libraries in many different places, even vans and ships.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libraries in different places, that serve different people. Shows many types of libraries and what makes them all the same and what makes each a different. Also showcases many overall library services.

[Anastasia Tuckness · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a delightful illustrated trip through all kinds of libraries. Highly recommended for library fans!

[Lupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is outdated, I was still very intrigued. I loved the illustrations! I have been to the NYC library and I'm eager to see the others now.

[Alyssa Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

So amazing. Take me to all of the libraries, please & thank you.

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Loved all the different types of libraries and the pictures. It was too short, there are other types of libraries that were not mentioned. Book was good!

[Joey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative! Beautiful illustrations. A tad bit dated because it’s published almost 30 years ago.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible juvenile nonfiction all about libraries- highlights different types of libraries, real ones all over the world. Beautiful and so interesting!

[Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for books about libraries and this is an oldie but a goodie. Different kind of libraries are featured here as well as the services they provide to the public.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

From illustrator Roxie Munro's Inside-Outside Book of…series, this book contains paintings of the outside and inside of different kinds of libraries around the United States, each with a textual description. The libraries range from the Rotunda Reading Room of the Library of Congress to the Tool Lending Library in Berkeley, CA. I especially liked the Braille sample in the painting of a library for the blind and physically handicapped. This is one of those books that might appeal most to adults (librarians especially), but the accurate and whimsical paintings would also catch a child's interest-- especially a bookworm.

[Suzanne Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book that showcases all sorts of libraries. The illustrations include everything from small rural libraries to the Library of Congress and mobile libraries to prison libraries. One library even lends tools to help its community members with equipment needed to do special jobs. Here are a few photos of the newest addition to our public library. We call our little free libraries "Twigs" since we don't have any branch locations.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously, this is a book about libraries! It's a nonfiction peek at the outside and insides of many different types of libraries (book-mobiles and Library of Congress to tool-lending libraries and even one on a naval ship!). It won't be the kind of book that gets reread, but for an informative and kid-friendly look at the many kinds of information settings and providers, this book is a great resource! It's aged pretty well, too--the information on the internet is still applicable.

[Yasmin Gomez Geng · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's important for students to start developing a relationship with their public libraries while they are young. Libraries leave an impact on us that we can't always point to but we can feel.

This would be a good bok to read to students before heading off to the first library class of the year.

Grade: All
Topic: Libraries, Global Libraries, Books, Reading

[Maddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libraries in different places, that serve different people. Shows many types of libraries and what makes them all the same and what makes each a different. Also showcases many overall library services.