3.5 stars. Nothing truly outstanding, no behind-the-scenes (which I'd hoped for from the Inside bit of the title), and covering only the USA. But smoothly written, interesting and relatively thoroughly sharing about all kinds of libraries. No weird gimmicks, just the idea of first we see the Outside of a Library, then we examine & explore the Inside. ( )

Review from library copy.

Very dated at this point. ( )

This is a surprisingly interesting book about different libraries, some of which would fall under the category of "special libraries." Some of the libraries I enjoyed learning about were the Ocracoke, NC, library (open 6 hours a week, spread between Friday and Saturday), and the Berkeley (CA) Public Library Tool Lending Library (which has over 2000 tools available for loan, as well as how-to books and videos). ( )

Showcased here are a diverse selection of libraries, large and small, from across America. The dozen or so libraries include The Library of Congress with its millions of books as well as the one-room Ocracoke Library in North Carolina, which has 2000 books for the 650 residents. There are university libraries, a tool library, and a library for the blind, not to mention school and home libraries. Although the book is from the mid-90s, the fascinating descriptions are still very modern, and even include the internet. What makes the book even more interesting are the intriguing paintings by Roxie Munro of both the inside and outside of each library. This is one children's book I can look at over and over! ( )

This one isn't for my kids, it was for me. I liked the pictures and the explanations of different libraries - I especially liked the informality and importance placed on what-ever-works. ( )