Check It Out!: The Book about Libraries

by Gail Gibbons

“The brighly colored drawings will attract young readers and provide a first look at libraries--with all their complexity and excitement.”-- Booklist

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

From gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.

Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s not the book’s fault it’s outdated. Still mostly useful information.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m reading several of the library science themed titles found in my new library to decide which ones I’ll use for the early grades library orientations. This title was the first one I picked up, because Gail Gibbons was a favorite of my now adult son when he was that age. Unfortunately, this book has shown it’s age- noting that readers can find books in the physical card catalog and can check out records and microfilm from the library.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My hubby found this one at our local library so of course we had to "check it out!" Despite being from 1985, it's remarkably still accurate. Sure, there were mentions of microfilm and the card catalog, but it did also talk about computers, and most everything else was still true! I especially loved the illustrations as they were a throwback to my childhood and reminded me of the Schoolhouse Rock style of cartoons.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reading more Gail Gibbons books lately and was excited to find there was one about libraries. I worried it would be outdated in terms of how to best utilize one (card catalogs, etc) but was happily surprised. Helpful information even if you think you know a lot about libraries, how they work, and how to use them. I liked the page about Friends of the Library as we recently discovered the bookstore run by ours.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book because it gave information on different types of libraries, how they are used, and the old and new ways to find a book in the library. I am not aware of a library that has a card catalog anymore, but it was good to discuss that with my children. They had lots of questions and it was a fun discussion.

I had to talk them into reading it, though. The illustrations were not inviting to them, and they would not choose it from our library books. I had to choose a time other than story time when Mom got to choose the book. I'm glad I made the effort, and so are they.

[Lenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow- this book is old. Copyrighted 1985, with the card catalog shown in the book. Yet another example of why it is important to keep a current non-fiction section in the library. This would be good to read to students to show what libraries used to be like. :)

[Lindsey Stagg]

I choose this book because it is appealing to young students. The book has a lot of illustrations, which children love. It is also informative in that it explains to the young reader how to find books in a library and how to go about checking books out as well as returning them.

[Rakisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a wonderful introduction to libraries, but it is a little out of date. Great for reading aloud to 1st or 2nd grade classes when they visit the library. I would say this is a good Common Core non-fiction informational book.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a 1985 copyright date, this book could use an update. That said, it is a great overview of the history, role and purpose of libraries. Thorough description. Bright illustrations.

[Stacia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely outdated in ways... but it is an interested read in that sense too! ...A good way to see how libraries have grown and evolved with the world and technology.

[Earl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for books about libraries so this was a nice find! It may seem dated to some but it still introduces young readers to libraries and some of the services they provide!

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Considering this is from 1985, it probably won't be of much use to new library users today. But it was fun revisiting the library experience of my childhood.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations as always from a Gail Gibbons book! Truly written in the 80's as the terminology and practices in libraries have certainly changed.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit outdated, but still a nice introduction for kids.

[Issac Marcombe]

i havnmt read it