An introduction to the history of libraries -- those of antiquity and some of the famous European collections -- makes up the first part of the book. The last part is devoted to public libraries and how they were started in the U.S. as well as some of our famous collections and library buildings. A short concluding section deals with the methods of bringing books to people --American bookmobiles as well as some of the more exotic book transports employed abroad (the French bibliotrain, the book boat in Denmark, etc.). The card catalog and the borrower's card is briefly presented. The idea behind free library service and its importance is quietly emphasized throughout the book, i.e., ""... a library is for saving and sharing the things we know."" Beginning readers will be comfortable in the vocabulary. The spontaneously drawn illustrations lend action to a subject that too often comes off as static in children's books.