Popularity comes, popularity goes. As librarians we’re always balancing between what will circulate like crazy and what we need to have in the collection. And we’re not the Library of Congress – we can’t (and shouldn’t) keep everything.
An endangered series is one that appears to be waning in terms of popularity. But popularity isn’t everything. Should it stay, or should it go? Or think of it this way – if you were starting a library today, would this series make the cut? Let’s discuss.
Little Critter (Series) by Mercer Mayer
This series began in 1975, and now spans over 100 titles in various formats – picture books, board books, early readers, activity books, apps and more.
The Case for Keeping: It’s among most well-known series in children’s literature. Chances are good that kids have read at least one Little Critter book, and that recognition can go a long way.
The Case for Not: Chances are good that there are a lot of beat-up Little Critter books out there. Purchased a long time ago and now looking worse for wear (or is that just me?).
Refresh? The series continues on to this day, with plenty of newer books to consider.
My Verdict: It remains a series that a lot of readers know. Our collection of Little Critter was in pretty rough shape, with lots of duplicates. We weeded all but a handful and will add a few of the newer books to freshen things up.
What are you doing with this series at your library?
Previously:
Endangered Series #1: The Boxcar Children
Endangered Series #2: The Hardy Boys
Endangered Series #3: American Girl
Endangered Series #4: The Baby Sitter’s Club
Endangered Series #5: The Bailey School Kids
Endangered Series #6: Nate the Great
Endangered Series #7: Cam Jansen
Endangered Series #8: The Kids of the Polk Street School
Endangered Series #9: Pony Pals
Endangered Series #10: Little Bill
Endagered Series #11: Animal Ark
About Travis Jonker
The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have gone years without being checked out in my library. Just when I think it should be weeded, students have been reading them this year!
Yeah, maybe if you were a public library and there were nostalgic parents flitting about. But Little Critter today? Sorry, dude. Them’s the breaks.