99% Invisible

Goodnight Nobody

Sep 29, 2020
Uncover the surprising story behind the New York Public Library's children's reading room and the enduring appeal of 'Goodnight Moon.' Discover why this beloved classic has surprisingly low circulation, and the influential role of Anne Carroll Moore in shaping children's literature. Dive into the whimsical world of Nicholas Knickerbocker, a wooden doll designed to engage shy kids, and explore how libraries foster literary love among young readers while celebrating their architectural beauty.
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ANECDOTE

Goodnight Moon Ban

  • Anne Carroll Moore, an influential children's librarian, disliked Goodnight Moon so intensely that the New York Public Library didn't carry it until 1972.
  • This meant generations of NYC kids grew up without the book, while it thrived elsewhere.
INSIGHT

Pre-Moore Library Access

  • Before Anne Carroll Moore, children were often barred from libraries due to age and sometimes gender restrictions.
  • This ban, rooted in class discrimination, limited poorer children's access to literature while wealthier kids had home collections.
INSIGHT

Moore's Library Revolution

  • Anne Carroll Moore revolutionized libraries by creating child-centric spaces with kid-sized furniture and engaging activities.
  • Her aim was to offer working-class children the same literary luxuries enjoyed by wealthier kids, thus leveling the playing field.
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