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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Children's Librarianship in Toronto is 100 years old this year.

This tidbit about librarianship was passed on to me by a co-worker.  I found it interesting, and wanted to pass it on.

100 years ago, the Toronto Public Library hired Lillian Smith - the first professionally trained children’s librarian in the British Empire.

Miss Smith was the first to actively select children’s books for young patrons and was instrumental in developing library programs just for children.  Storytelling became an integral part of the library staff’s work, and according to Miss Smith, “the story hour is unquestionably one of the best methods of attracting children to books.”

From the Canadian Children’s Book News, Winter 2012