THE INSIDE-OUTSIDE BOOK OF LIBRARIES

Normally a soloist on the series, Munro (The Inside-Outside Book of Paris, 1992) has a collaborator for this entry that shows all kinds of libraries, from behemoths like the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library to collections on navy ships and in prisons, on bookmobiles and home bookshelves. Among the places included along the way: the Internet, a library for the handicapped, school libraries, a tool-lending library, and a branch library in New York City's Chinatown. The diversity of libraries will be a revelation to young readers and will surprise adults, too. What also comes through clearly is the importance of books and libraries in every place and segment of society. An adequate treatment of a surprisingly fascinating topic. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-10)