Drawing them into the library

Books are the major attraction in most children's libraries, but there's no question that an attractive room helps lure children in. The Robin Hood Foundation has given money to several schools in the Bronx, N.Y., to create attractive murals for libraries. The N.Y. Times shows pictures of some of the libraries and it's easy to see why children would flock to these libraries, especially because of the drabness of the school around them. Most librarians will not have a chance to see, much less work with, such inventive artistic renderings in their libraries, but the example may help us consider how other libraries could be brightened and enhanced by a little artistic flair. Every community has its artists and designers. It's time for a little collaboration that would benefit everyone.