Libraries are the awsomest invention of humans ever. Okay, maybe the book comes first and then the library, but you know what I mean. And sure, I work in a library so might be a little biased, but you know, I would never have decided to go librarian unless I loved libraries to begin with. And since the invention of the internet and the ability to digitize things, what was once only available if you could afford the time off from work, the plane ticket, the hotel and food bill to get there and see the materials in person, is accessible from the comfort of you couch or bed or the beach. And libraries are the ones leading the charge to bring you all these things you never even knew existed. It’s an amazing thing that I don’t think libraries get enough appreciation even from me, a person who knows better!
The folks at Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature at the University of Florida, have been working hard. Do you know what they have achieved? They have made available — for free — over 6,000 hisotrical children’s books. You can read The Three Little Kittens published in 1890. Or as many ABC books as your heart desires. Open Culture has an article about the collection and a brief history of children’s literature you might find interesting. Go have some fun browsing!
Today I had a brief moment of wondering whether the universe was trying to tell me something. Remember a couple weeks ago the mystery on the bus? No, it was never solved, but I imagined it as being a perfect opportunity for a mystery writer. And now I found another story that I thought, someone could really make something out of this! I still don’t think that someone is me, but I give the universe credit for trying.
This time the story is about libraries, specifically, the library at Alexandria and Pergamum. Have you ever heard about Pergamum? I don’t recall that I ever have. Located in Pergamon, what is now Bergama, Turkey, Pergamum was Alexandria’s biggest rival. It was a cold war of sorts with each city upping the ante by getting this scholar or that book.
Finally, Alexandria decided they were going to crush Pergamum once and for all and stopped all shipments of papyrus to the city. Without paper they surely weren’t going to be able to copy any books and the scholars weren’t going to be able to write any new ones. But necessity is the mother of invention, and they invented parchment.
Now parchment had actually already been invented, but Pergamum refined the process of turning animal skins into a writing surface. According to the wonderful article about this library rivalry, the Latin word for parchment is “pergamīnum.” Translated literally this means “the sheets of Pergamum.” Take that Alexandria!
Now wouldn’t that make a fantastic historical novel? Will one of you write it because I sure would love to read it!
Yes, that would make a great historical novel. It sounds to me like you would be an awesome writer.
Now I’m going to browse the historical children’s books. Thanks for linking to it!
LikeLike
AMB, heh, you are too kind! Hope you enjoy the children’s books!
LikeLike
We love looking at children’s books, and hadn’t heard about this new online resource. Thanks!
LikeLike
Jeanne, you bet! 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t read children’s books but I’m digging the link. I love that you can also see the covers of the book! Lots of beautiful bookbinding.
LikeLike
Iliana, I know, I like you can see the covers and the illustrations. I like the art more than anything! Maybe you could get some biding ideas of your own from them 🙂
LikeLike
First of all thank you so much for sharing the link! Secondly I think the folks at Baldwin Library of Historical Children’s Literature deserve a huge shout out for their brilliant efforts! Finally, wonderful wonderful premises….why do you not try your hand at it again? I know you have tried in the past and were not impressed, but why not try again? Things change so does art!
LikeLike
cirtnecce, glad you enjoyed the children’s book link. It really is a marvelous resource. As for writing, I have no idea when I’d be able to make the time right now. I will keep the thought on the back burner though. Thanks for the encouragement!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it would, but it wouldn’t be if I wrote it! Of course I’m a librarian so I completely agree with you. I love the things libraries are doing now. Inspired.
LikeLike
whisperinggums, heh, well, if you ever feel inspired and the the story be sure to put me in the acknowledgments 🙂 I love that libraries are using technology to do things that no one else can.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my! Thanks for the info in your super blog! I’ve been wondering where I could find more historical children’s books online – there goes the rest of my free time! 🙂
LikeLike
What a beautiful resource from Baldwin library. Today we might have a reality TV show featuring library wars with various Kardashians championing the libraries of different cities. I think Alexandria and Pergamum might just have been up for something like that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just enjoyed seeing a butterfly collecting Zebra in an ABC of Animals children’s book!
LikeLike
Ian, I love the animal ABCs! I’m not sure the Kardashians would be at the front of the library war. Maybe Bill Nye the Science Guy and Neil Degrasse Tyson? Or Steven Pinker and Salman Rushdie?
LikeLike
Descartes Baker, thanks for stopping by! Enjoy the children’s book treasure trove! 🙂
LikeLike
Great story, and no, I’d not heard of Pergamum, so thank you for that. Love what the library is doing for historical children’s books!
LikeLike
Charlie, I am glad I am not the only one who hasn’t heard of Pergamum! I was worried I had fallen asleep and missed something!
LikeLike
That is a great story about the battle between the libraries! I hadn’t heard it before, either. I’m already browsing thru the historical children’s books- what great finds. Lovely to be able to see them, when I’d hardly be able to afford any.
LikeLike
Jeane, isn’t the library battle a fun story? Glad you like the link to the children’s books. They are fun to look at!
LikeLike
Hah–culture wars ancient style! I have never heard of Pergamum either–I guess you can see who won! But still, parchment is pretty cool and yet they have still faded into obscurity. As for your bush story–it could be turned into a wonderful ghost story as well (have you ever seen the driver again–pity you can’t ask him and solve the mystery for us!). Alas I would love to read either story but I am not your writer for either.
LikeLike
Danielle, I feel relieved that no one else had heard of Pergamum either. I was wondering if it was something I should know but somehow missed out on! I haven’t seen the bus driver again. We got all new drivers on the route the following week (un-related to the incident!).
LikeLike