National Typewriter Day

As I searched for a topic to write for today, I was excited to see that there is a National Typewriter Day! It would be a safe bet to say that there are many people who have never used a typewriter before. But the library where I work, has no less that four working typewriters currently with three backups, just in case. I’ve tried to encourage the staff to use modern technology (i.e. a computer), but I have a feeling that these typewriters will last far longer than any argument I can come up with!

And honestly, I kinda get it, especially for weird shapes like envelopes and labels. Sometimes trying to get a computer and printer to play nice is more work than it’s worth. We even have a typewriter that is available for public use. And we’ve had a few people who would prefer to use the typewriter, rather than typing on one of our computers.

I couldn’t find too many kids books about typewriters, probably because at this point, they would barely understand why they exist. But, I found a few picture books and thought I’d share them for National Typewriter Day! Or if you’re looking for more about the history of the typewriter, check out Kids Britannica!

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National Typewriter Day Book List

As Fast As Words Could Fly by Pamela M. Tuck, illustrated by Eric Velasquez

“Young Mason Steele takes pride in turning his father’s excited ramblings about the latest civil rights incidents into handwritten business letters. One day Pa comes home with a gift from his civil rights group: a typewriter. Thrilled with the present, Mason spends all his spare time teaching himself to type. Soon he knows where every letter on the keyboard is located.

When the civil rights group wins a school desegregation case, Mason learns that now he will be attending a formerly all-white high school. Despite his fears and injustice from the students and faculty, Mason perseveres. He does well in school—especially in his typing class. And when he competes in the county typing tournament, Mason decides to take a stand, using his skills to triumph over prejudice and break racial barriers.”

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin

“Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears:

Click, clack, moo.
Click, clack, moo.
Click, clack, moo.

But Farmer Brown’s problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes! Come join the fun as a bunch of literate cows turn Farmer Brown’s farm upside-down!”

The Typewriter by Bill Thomson

“Using just nine words, the award-winning creator of Chalk takes readers on another unforgettable journey. When three children discover a typewriter on a carousel, they are transported on an adventure of their own creation—complete with a giant beach ball and a threatening crab. Stunning, richly colored artwork is paired with limited text so children can tell their own version of the story. “