Miss Moore Thought Otherwise

Everybody who enjoys youth services spaces, programs, and collections at public libraries owes an enormous debt to Anne Carroll Moore, New York Public Library's first head of children's services (1906-1941).  When the NYPL central building on 42nd Street & Fifth Avenue opened in 1911, there was a "central children's room," thanks to Miss Moore.  Bright, cheerful, filled with artwork, reading alcoves, and shelves of children's books written in many languages, it was an inviting, welcoming environment for kids and their caregivers.  Something more was offered youthful patrons:  borrowing privileges, which children previously lacked for themselves.  To have one's own library card is truly empowering for every child.  Millions of youthful readers may thank Miss Moore for having the privilege to check-out library books.

Anne Carroll Moore in her office at New York Public Library (1906)

Miss Moore was an innovator, introducing youth services programs, book talks, and other library activities especially tailored toward youthful needs and interests.  Enter any modern public library's children's department, and you will see variations of Miss Moore's innovations.

A new children's biography of Anne Carroll Moore will be published in March, 2013:  Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore Created Libraries for Children, by Jan Pinborough and Debby Atwell (illustrator) (Houghton Mifflin, 2013), for readers ages 6 years and older.  Our book trailer elaborates.

MPL Book Trailer #168

Miss Moore Though Otherwise,

by Jan Pinborough & Debby Atwell

With its charming illustrations and sprightly text, this book will become a favorite of library-loving early readers.  It is a grand read-aloud book for preschoolers, and it will be a solid "by myself" read for early elementary age children.  It is one of those delightful books that older folks enjoy, too.

If you are a bibliophile (such as I), and if you frequent public libraries (again, like moi), then you will relish this biography about this true hero of youth librarianship.  If libraries had saints, then Anne Carroll Moore should definitely be canonized.

Hey, I've been to New York Public Library!  Remember my pilgrimage with Buffalo Gal?  If you haven't seen NYPL at 42nd Street, you should go.  Now.  This very minute.  You'll thank moi later.

Your Roving Reporter On The Go,

Cauli Le Chat

P.S.  Meet John E. Peters, supervising librarian at Children's Center in the New York Public Library (at the Central Building on 42nd Street) (2009).

P.P.S.  If you haven't already, do you want to see more photos from my 2011 trip to the Big Apple?  Sure you do.