library lion.

after a busy friday, taylor and i spent saturday morning at storytime. after listening to, 'llama, llama, misses mama', i happened to find my new favorite book. library lion. i'd seen it online a few times in the last year, just hadn't picked it up and actually read it. well, i'm SO glad i finally did!

a very sweet story about a lion that saunters into the library, quickly to become the much-loved encyclopedia duster, late-notice envelope-licker, and story hour cushion. as long as lion follows the rules, he can enjoy the library as long as he wants ... but not everyone thinks the library is a place for a lion. library lion comes complete with a rule-enforcing, eyeglass-wearing, hair-in-a-bun, warm-hearted librarian.

this lovely book, by michelle knudsen (also the editor of the amazing junie b. jones series!) and illustrated by kevin hawkes (he's illustrated DOZENS of children's books!), is wonderfully depicted, and perfectly written. i hope my library gets a lion. soon!

after reading 'library lion' (a few times, at least), i started thinking about the lion and its representation of the library. i did a bit of research, and thanks to the new york public library's website, i found out some great information!

the new york public library at fifth avenue and 42nd street in manhattan houses the infamous library lion statues ... and has done so, since 1911! Note to self: plan a trip to Manhattan in the near future!

apparently, their nicknames have changed over the decades. beginning with leo astor and leo lenox, after the new york public library founders, john jacob astor and james lenox. followed by, lady astor and lord lenox (even though they are both misters ... not misses). but, during the 1930s, mayor fiorello laguardia named them 'patience' and 'fortitude,' for the qualities he felt new yorkers would need to survive the economic depression ... how fitting for todays' times! these names have stood the test of time: 'patience' (looking rather regal in the picture above) still guards the south side of the library's steps and 'fortitude' sits unwaveringly to the north. someday i'll have my picture with them ... how awesome would that be!?