Library Love
Posted by annastan on October 6th, 2009. Filed under: Random Fun.Yesterday I made a trip out to the cute town of Norfolk, Mass. to visit their library. I’d never been there before so it took me a couple of tries to figure out which rotary exit I was supposed to get off at (oh, New England towns with their rotaries). Once I found the library, I was so impressed. It’s brand new and sits in the center of town with a little gazebo right next door.
Not only is the library new, it’s very well thought out. I had no trouble finding the books I was looking for and there was even a self-check out with a step-stool in front of it so children could use it too. There were also little tables out front so people could sit outside and relax. Here are a few pictures I found online to give you an idea:
At a time when a lot of cities and towns are cutting back their school and library budgets, it was nice to visit a place that clearly values its library and has made it a focal point. There were tons of people coming in and out while I was there, lots of children especially. It was great to see.
I’m extremely lucky that my town also puts a lot of resources into its library; currently there’s a big renovation project going on so the library is in a temporary location, but when the project is finished, I know it will be amazing. I just wish everyone could live in a place where the library is seen as an asset instead of a financial burden.
What are the libraries like where you live? Do you have a favorite one you love to visit?
October 6th, 2009 at 11:29 am
the encinitas, ca library (about .25 mi from our house) overlooks the pacific ocean! all new and awesome. but it’s weird – because it’s a LOUD library. everyone talks to each other. not in an obnoxious way, but it’s definitely not a quiet zone. there’s separate rooms for that!
October 6th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
I LOVE libraries!
In my county in Georgia, they recently built a beautiful two story building for the main library.
They have big comfy chairs, lots of desks, and pretty lamps Lots of plugs for my laptops.
Lots of trees and they even have a big porch out front with rocking chairs (yes, can you tell I live in the South? Ha).
One thing that I love about my new library is that the YA adult is HUGE and is downstairs separate from the children’s section upstairs.
I go there every Saturday to write. It’s like my home away from home.
October 6th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Karen, your library sounds lovely! I love that they have a porch and rocking chairs! It sounds so welcoming.
It’s so important to have a place like that where you can go and be around books and focus on writing. I’m lucky that I can usually concentrate when I’m writing at home, but I’m excited for our library to finish its renovation so I’ll have a nice back-up location where I can go hide away for a few hours.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I kind of like loud libraries (as long as they have quiet areas too) because they tend to be really welcoming. You don’t have to tiptoe around and be afraid of disturbing someone. And the fact that your library overlooks the ocean, well I don’t think saying I’m jealous quite captures it! I hope you guys are having an amazing time out in Cali!