International activities in the field of children's libraries

Abstract

The idea of having library services for children as well as for adults began in some countries over a century ago. Such service is universal only in theory in those countries, however, and though the concept is spreading around the world, the practice has a long way to go. There are a number of reasons for the urgency of providing reading materials, especially well-chosen materials, and services with those materials, for children everywhere. The high literacy rate necessary for economic well-being of a country requires much supplementary material for maintaining reading skills. A child’s natural curiosity should be fed and encouraged with books of information supplementary to basic textbooks. Most children’s lives are enriched by works of fiction, which, whether they be works of realism, romance, or fancy, can take the child both into and beyond himself. And they need books based on their own culture, to help them achieve a sense of identity, and stories and nonfiction from all over the world to enable them to develop a sense of kinship with all who share the planet. Even as children’s librarians (and those in any other field) have found stimulation, encouragement, and new ideas by banding together within a state or country, and various agencies have assisted libraries in the work of making materials accessible to children, so these organizations and agencies have been crossing national boundaries. This report will emphasize three: the Sub-section on Work with Children of the International Federation of Library Associations, the International Youth Library in Munich, and the International Board on Books for Youth. To give a truer picture of the breadth of activity, however, mention will also be made of the kinds of contributions of several others.