Our Library by Eve Bunting

The importance of libraries and their fragility is portrayed in this picture book by Eve Bunting. Illustrations by Maggie Smith show cute animals in their neighborhood library finding out that it may have to close because money isn't available for repairs. So, they check out books and learn how to repair roofs, paint and much more. When new problems come up they read books and work to solve them one by one while illustrating the benefits they receive from the library. While the illustrations are charming, the text is a bit heavy-handed. I'm not sure primary students would get the message, which seems more directed to adults. While we certainly need more advocacy for libraries, public and school, this book didn't really work for me. Our Library by Eve Bunting. Illustrated by Maggie Smith. Clarion Books, 2008.