Special Features Children and Libraries

Letters to the Editor

Children and Libraries welcomes your letters to the editor on topics of general interest to the profession or as comments on topics covered in our pages.

Letters should be no longer than 350 words and must be signed. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and space. Send letters to CAL Editor Sharon Korbeck Verbeten at 820 Spooner Ct., De Pere, WI 54115, or e-mail:  CALeditor@yahoo.com.

Urban vs. Rural

The historic, bustling city of Philadelphia, Penn., has 1.5 million residents. The pastoral off-the-beaten path Iola, Wisc., has 1,000.

Should library service to children in these diverse areas be the same? At the heart of the issue, of course, are the children. But just as children are different, so are the ways in which librarians serve them.

Children and Libraries would like to feature librarians in urban and rural settings, and share their practices, tips, and views for creating a comfortable, useful haven for children. Does your city or urban library offer special programs for latchkey kids? Does your country or rural library enhance its services with delivery or bookmobile programs? Can some city-specific programs and offerings be altered to work in the country and vice versa? What gives your urban or rural library its personality?

If you'd like to share your library's uniquely urban or rural processes, procedures, or personality in this regular column, contact Editor Sharon Korbeck. (See contact information above.)

The Last Word

The Last Word is an end page feature that runs in each issue and highlights brief, light, or humorous essays from children's librarians, such as: a humorous story about a library experience; a short trivia quiz or puzzle about children's literature; a brief, creatively-written insight on library service, children's literature, or programming; a very short question-and-answer interview with a popular author; a funny story about what kids are overheard saying in libraries. The Last Word will be a place for children’s librarians to share these stories and get their name in print. Please send your ideas or finished stories to the editor.

Contributions for The Last Word should be between 500-750 words, double-spaced. Please submit to Editor Sharon Korbeck Verbeten for consideration. (See contact information above.)

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