plants in libraries

i see plants in libraries, a lot. some real, some fake, all fascinating.

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What is this all about?

Hey, I'm Jess. I'm writing my dissertation on kids & libraries. My research looks at how adults construct built environments for children. I started noticing libraries in the early 20th century often included plants in the children's areas. And I'm trying to identify these plants! Maybe you can help me? If you are able to id some of these plants, please let me know in the comments. Or, if you have a plant-in-library encounter of your own--past, present, or future?!--lemme know.

-Jess S.

Childhood Studies, Rutgers University

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Upper Right 1947: In the background behind children reading at library tables, you can see the bay window from the north side of the building. https://www.lakewoodlibraryfriendsdallas.org/news/library-past-lakewood-library-at-6342-la-vista

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A photograph of a woman reading a story to children in a library. Librarian Joan Smith is seated and holding a book up and open to a group o

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A photograph of the interior of the Sellwood Branch located at SE Nehalem St. Children are bundled up in coats and reading books at wooden t

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A photograph of a young reader, probably a boy, at Hollywood library. The boy is seated in a chair and is holding a copy of 'Hot Rod' magazi

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A photograph of a young girl sitting on a blanket in the grass in front of the Multnomah County Library North Portland Branch library sign.

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A photograph taken of the interior of a room, likely the Albina Library. Children are sitting at tables reading and standing around the refe

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A photograph of the Gresham reading room. The room has several long tables around which sit children and adults. Electric light bulbs hang f

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A photograph of story hour at the Arleta Branch. Librarian Lois Tolbert Sayles, is standing and reading a book to an audience of children se

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From Dallas Public Library, The Siddie Joe Johnson Collection of Children's Literature. http://dallaslibrary2.org/childrensCenter/siddiejoe.php

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Carnegie Library of Wilmette Children's Room and librarian's desk

Evanston Photographic Service. "Carnegie Library of Wilmette Children's Room and librarian's desk." Wilmette Public Library: Wilmette History (Illinois Digital Archives),1943-08-05, http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/wilmette/id/8. 2022-11-29.

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Storytime at the City Terrace Library, East Los Angeles, California : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Christine Parnin, Library Manager of City Terrace Library, is reading a book to children, Summer 1966. This image was provided by Vibiana Ap

"Christine Parnin, Library Manager of City Terrace Library, is reading a book to children, Summer 1966. This image was provided by Vibiana Aparicio-Chamberlin for inclusion in the Foto East LA collection."  LA County Library. “Storytime at the City Terrace Library, East Los Angeles, California.” Internet Archive. 1966.

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A joint meeting: Girls, The Hunt's Point Literary Club; Boys, The Hunt's point Current Topics Club

One of hundreds of thousands of free digital items from The New York Public Library.

 New York Public Library Archives, The New York Public Library. "A joint meeting: Girls, The Hunt's Point Literary Club; Boys, The Hunt's point Current Topics Club" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-e37a-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

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Garden strip rear of Hunt's Point Branch

One of hundreds of thousands of free digital items from The New York Public Library.

 New York Public Library Archives, The New York Public Library. "Garden strip rear of Hunt's Point Branch" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1934. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47df-e38d-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

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Chatham Square Branch, children lined up at librarian's desk, April 11, 1910; "The Night Library"

One of hundreds of thousands of free digital items from The New York Public Library.

 New York Public Library Archives, The New York Public Library. "Chatham Square Branch, children lined up at librarian's desk, April 11, 1910; "The Night Library"" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1910. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-82d1-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99

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115th Street, girls reading by fireplace, children's reading room

One of hundreds of thousands of free digital items from The New York Public Library.

 New York Public Library Archives, The New York Public Library. "115th Street, girls reading by fireplace, children's reading room" The New York Public Library Digital Collections. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47d9-8233-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99