WHAT THE BOOK SAID

New Zealand Tablet, 15 July 1909, Page 1118

WHAT THE BOOK SAID

' Once upon a time,' a library/hook was overheard talking to a little boy, who had just borrowed it. The words seemed worth recording, and here they are • Please don't handle me with dirty hands. I should feel ashamed when the next little boy borrowed me. ' Nor have me out in the rain. Books, as well us children, can catch cold. ' Nor make marks on me with your pen or pencil. Tt would spoil my looks. ' ' Nor lean on me with your elbows when reading. It hurts. , Nor open me and lay me face down on the table. You would not like to be treated so. ' Nor put in between my leaves a pencil or anything thicker than a single sheet of thin paper. It would strain my back. ' Whenever you are through reading me, if you are afraid of losing your place, don't turn down the corner • f one of my leaves, but have a neat little book-mark to put in where you stop, and then close me, and lay me on my side, so that I can have a good, comfortable rest. ' Remember that I want to visit a great many other little boys after you are through with me. Besides, I may meet you again some day, and you would be sorry to see me looking old and torn and soiled. Help me to keep fresh and clean, and I will help you to be happy.'