Children's Book Illustrations at the Mazza Museum in Findlay, OH

Children's books play an important role in education.

Little ones are enticed by enchanting illustrations

as they're read to while nestled in comfy, loving laps.

Next comes that magical process of recognizing letters and words,

and soon a love of books blooms into a love for reading.

Within Ohio's University of Findlay lies a real treasure: The Mazza Museum.

With a goal of promoting literacy, the museum attractively exhibits an 

8,000-piece collection of original artwork from children's books.

Popular illustrators such as Sophie Blackall, Mary Engelbreit, 

Don Wood, and Eric Carle are featured.

Original illustrations hang framed on the walls

with their corresponding books placed beneath them.

I was thrilled to recognize titles that I loved reading to my children,

as well as books from my own childhood!

Such a delightful place to visit!

Thank you, Lindsey & Julie, for sharing this special place with your Aunt Lu!

Find out more here:

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The Spectacular Library of the Czech Republic in Clementinum, Prague

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I'm truly crazy about libraries!

I read dozens of books each year and don't buy a single one if I can help it.

I just love borrowing books from my community library.

Not only for the obvious reason of saving tons of money, 

but also to take in that certain atmosphere in a library that is unmatched.

Is it intelligence, curiosity, adventure, intrigue? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!

Naturally, I was all goosebumps when I saw these photos of the

National Library of the Czech Republic in Clementinum, Prague.

Over the top! Only in my dreams!

How I'd love to spend a few hours getting lost in this library!

Imagine that intoxicating smell of old books 

amidst this glorious Baroque architecture!

knowledge-sastha

knowledge-sastha

Book-Lover Quotes Illustrated by Simini Blocker

Bibliophiles like me will appreciate these 

oh-so-charming illustrations by Simini Blocker.

They bring life to the thoughts of

Anna Quindlen, Albert Einstein, C.S. Lewis and more.

Enjoy these colorful works of art as you're

reminded of how very much you love to read! 

More illustrations by Simini Blocker here:
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Little Free Library Spotting in Belmar, New Jersey!

Quite a while ago, I had heard about Little Free Libraries, but I'd never seen one.

Being a voracious reader and advocate of libraries, I'm intrigued by the concept.

On a recent trip to Belmar, New Jersey, we were driving along, 

and I yelped to my husband, "Pull over, pull over!"

I had spotted a Little Free Library!

I hopped out for an inspection and to snap some photos.

(The hubby no doubt knew that there was a blog post in the works.)

It definitely caught my attention with a cool geometric design 

and a blazing yellow lightning bolt on its glass door.

The inside was just stuffed with books!

So, what's the idea behind Little Free Libraries? 

Anyone can build and maintain a library.

The purpose? To bring a sense of community, to encourage creativity,

to make books available, and to cultivate reading.

It's on a take one, leave one basis.

There are over 50,000 Little Free Libraries located in all 50 states of the USA!

Plus, this has gone global; they're in 70 different countries!

The website gives tons of information on how you can become a "steward,"

including free building plans and ongoing support from their staff.

There's even a map that helps you find locations near you!

(The one we saw in New Jersey is on 6th Ave. in Belmar.

It is not listed on the website's map.)

Here are photos of more Little Free Libraries~

More information can be found here:

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Reimagining the Book: 3D Book Art by Kerry Miller

Kerry Miller, of Great Britain, uses her artistic talents in a unique way.
She re-invents antique books, long ignored and cast off,
giving them new lives and new purposes as true works of art!

Kerry explains, "As technology threatens to replace the printed word,
there has never been a better time to re-imagine the book."

Each book is deconstructed by reverently cutting out the illustrations.
In the case of black and white images, Kerry sometimes
hand-paints them with watercolors or inks.
She re-builds the book by layering the pieces in one of two 3D approaches:
an explosion of images, bursting forth to capture our interest,
or a diorama, reaching within the confines of the book's covers
to offer a peek at the wonders inside.

Here's to appreciating the past,
the rewards of reading, 
and the artistry of Kerry Miller!

Above:
A Handbook to the Order Lepidoptera
Vols 1 & 3, published 1896

Below:

 The Boy's Own Annual 1886

Britain's Birds and their Nests, published 1910.

The Book of Days, Vol. 1, published 1897.

Familiar Garden Flowers, published circa 1880.

Harmsworth's Household Encyclopedia, published 1923.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, published 1928.

Textbook of Massage, published 1910.

You can view lots more at Kerry's website.

Images used with direct permission from Kerry Miller.