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~~~ The following little item was published in the American Monthly Review of Reviews, Volume 22, Number 1, July 1900, page 50, in an article entitled "Provision for Children in Public Libraries" by Katherine Louise Smith. I have changed nothing apart from adding the bookmark author's full name, dates, and denomination. ~~~
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The [book mark] which has been in general use is the children's Maxson book mark. This was written by the Rev. Henry Doty Maxson, 1852-1891, Unitarian, of Menomonie, Wisconsin, and is used in numerous libraries. Its unique wording attracts a child instantly and he will mind the precepts where a stupid moralizing leaflet would obtain no attention. It runs thus.
"Once on a time" a Library Book was overheard talking to a little boy who had just borrowed it. It said:
"Please don't handle me with dirty hands. I should feel ashamed to be seen when the next little boy borrowed me.
Or leave me out in the rain. Books can catch cold as well as children.
Or make marks on me with your pen or pencil. It would spoil my looks.
Or lean on me with your elbows when you are reading me. It hurts.
Or open me and lay me face down upon the table. You wouldn't like to be treated so.
Or 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 of one of my leaves, but have a neat little Book Mark to put in where you stopped, and then close me and lay me down 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."
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