Once upon a time a Library Book 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 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 on 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 have finished 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 have done 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."