At the age of 16, Melcher's grandfather helped him to secure a job at Estes and Lauriat publishing company and bookstore in Boston. It was during his time at Estes and Lauriat that he first developed his interest in children's books. He worked to develop the children's collection of the books store with help of Caroline Hewins, a New England librarian who also had interests in developing and promoting children's books. While at
Publishers Weekly, Melcher began creating space in the publication and a number of issues dedicated solely to books for children. Melcher proposed the
Caldecott Medal in 1937 to honor children's picture books. Named for British illustrator
Randolph Caldecott, the medal is presented annually for the "most distinguished picture book for children". Melcher was awarded
American Library Association Honorary Membership in 1945. A collection of essays about his life was published to commemorate this event and he was awarded a medal from The
American Institute of Graphic Arts: In recognition of his many-sided contributions to the Graphic Arts through 50 years, his patient and judicial sponsorship of worthy causes, international as well as national; his continuing kindly encouragement of young men and women first entering the world of books; and his tireless, accomplished, and successful efforts to make known and to maintain high standards of bookmaking. Melcher resigned as president of R.R. Bowker in 1958 to become chairman of the board. In 1962 he received the
Regina Medal from the Catholic Library Association "in recognition of a lifetime contribution to children's literature". ==Religious ties==