A Different Kind of Library...

The Children's Book Council moved to a new office space over the summer so yesterday we invited our members to an open house/Halloween party to check out the new space, visit with one another, eat cupcakes and explore our library. It was great fun to see people delighting in books published by rival publishing houses.A little know fact to those who are not immersed in the children's book publishing/trade association world is that the CBC is home to a fabulous examination library that is open to the public, free of charge (weekdays only, from 10 am-4 pm and only until 12:30 pm on Fridays).

Our members send us all the new books they publish each year and we keep a full year of new books available in our library, not to mention a complete collection of Newbery, Caldecott, Children's Choice Book Award winners and more. Authors and artists periodically stop by to see what's out there and get inspired. Librarians sometimes stop by to peruse the collection before making their own buying decisions. Publishers sometimes stop by to see what the competition is up to. I happen to think it would also make an awesome field trip idea for local schools and we would be more than happy to set up school tours. Did I mention that we also happen to have a "free book" bookcase; that is, a bookcase with all the extras that are just there for the taking?! In other words, you can come on by (we're at 54 West 39th Street in Manhattan, 14th Floor), experience the library, select a book and, might I suggest, then stop by Lily O'Brien's Chocolate Cafe on 40th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues (right around the corner) for a Skinny Lily? Seriously, it's the most amazing hot chocolate I've ever had and it just happens to be sugar free dark hot chocolate with fat free milk so it's even good for you!! Such a nice treat while you're sitting on their comfy couch reading Room by Emma Donoghue (which had better already be in your bag because we only have books for children and teens at the CBC), with your little one by your side reading Zen Ghosts by Jon Muth or AlphaOOPS by Alethea Kontis and illustrated by Bob Kolar.and your teen might be reading Matched by Ally Condie or I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. A perfect day! Mmmmmmmm... hot chocolate!