In addition to helping parents and librarians keep track of children’s reading habits, reading passports were (and still are) an excellent tool to help children see their progress towards a reading goal and excite them about exploring a variety of genres. Tiffney Sanford, Administrative Clerk at the Los Angeles Public Library and library history blogger, writes that “I found these in a scrapbook at the Decker Branch of the Denver Public Library. They appear to be a “See the World Through Books” passport given to children to log their reading circa 1922. The child attended the nearby McKinley Elementary School. [Decker Branch- 1501 S. Logan St, Denver, CO 80210].”
Be sure to also check out Tiffney’s blog, Los Angeles Library Tour, which offers fantastic vintage photos and analysis of one of America’s largest public library systems.
