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National Library Week

Have you been to a library recently?  It happens to be National Library Week at the moment, but for me, it seems like an ongoing event.  I enjoy coming to the library several times a week to see what's new, to rediscover an old book I may have read but never bought, to get lost between the stacks looking at something interesting and to peruse the magazines and DVDs.  There is always something to check out to take home and pore over during the week or weekend.  I know that many of you have begun to edit your book collections because of the popularity of e-book readers & tablets, but personally I'm not so sure I'll ever be comfortable making that switch entirely.  In the meantime, I will continue to patron my local library.  Being only a mile or so away from the house, it's always a pleasure taking long strolls to the library if the weather is gorgeous.  Our town has no sidewalks (this is by choice), so I have to walk carefully along the road if I'm not driving. 

The actual building which was commissioned & built in 1921 wasn't initially used as a library;  it's uses over the years have included a post office and a meeting place for various clubs.  In 1931 a local couple took it upon themselves to develop a library for our town by collecting books through many donations.  It wasn't until 1951 that the entire property became the library for the area and since then, it has seen many expansions & improvements.  The lower floor houses the children's area where daily book readings are held for preschoolers.  The main floor has everything else from books & computer stations, to magazine racks & DVD carousels with the latest movies & television shows.  Upstairs houses a collection of historical records & books which document local & state industry, architecture, history & biographies. 

Have a look at my local library.


An old drawing of the library from the records room.

The stone facade gives the building a sense of permanence. 

A view from the rear.  There are only 10 parking slots for patrons back here, so when it's busy, you have to find parking elsewhere.

A crew maintains the planted areas with great care during the spring & summer.  The glass lean-to is the main entrance to the library.

This view is from the other side.  Technically this is the rear area where patrons enter & park their cars.

The main entrance with a large stone arched doorway holds a cart with book & magazine donations.  I've found many Martha Stewart Living magazine back issues this way.

I love this plastic mobile which catches & reflects the light during the day.  A local artists donated it; I'm told he changes it every few months.

 The main room holds fiction & non-fiction, along with computers, magazines and video.

This is the DVD section.

I love the majestic 50 foot pine tree next to the driveway.

♠

There is always something to discover at the library, so take the time to visit the one in your area this weekend if you haven't done so in a while.  I think you may just rekindle your love for books!

Comments

  1. ChristineApril 13, 2012 at 8:15 PM

    What a beautiful library! We are devoted library patrons, and visit every other week (when our books are due). It's so much fun to stroll among the stacks -- you never know what interesting book you might run across. Libraries are truly a community treasure.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Good Things by DavidApril 14, 2012 at 11:17 AM

    Thanks Christine (!), I think it's a nice library too even though it's quite small. I'm glad you visit your local library! We're having a book raffle here in honor of library week, so I have my eye on a cookbook by Melissa Clark! Let's see if I win.

    David

    ReplyDelete

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