Endangered Series #17: Junie B. Jones

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.

Junie B. Jones (Series) by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Brunkus

This series began in 1992 with Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus, and concluded with Junie B. Jones: Turkeys We Have Loved, #28 in the series, in 2012.

The Case for Keeping: The series is officially in the “classic” zone. It’s a character that is still known widely in elementary schools.

The Case for Not: Circulations are down, and our copies are looking pretty beat up (well-loved). It’s the moment when you think “Should we re-order, or not?

Refresh? The series recently received a (fairly subtle) paperback cover refresh.

My Verdict: We’re keeping them. Circulation is lower than in the past, but steady, and kids will occasionally still ask for Junie B. by name.

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

Endangered Series #12: Arthur

Endangered Series #13: The English Roses

Endangered Series #14: Marvin Redpost

Endangered Series #15: Little Critter

Endangered Series #16: Spiderwick Chronicles

Filed under: Endangered Series