Tag: Libraries

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One More Page

ellenparkerwrites

Today we’re going to muse about two moments of happiness. (The world needs more sprinkles of happiness and joy. Don’t you agree?)

There’s a moment when you walk out of the library clutching a new book — you just can’t wait to open the pages. What will you find? Will it be new information? Travels to a far away time or place? A story featuring a clever person who solves a problem and looks like me?

And then, two or three weeks later, there’s a moment when the book needs to be returned. So others can read it — adults try to explain. But…but…just one more time…please.

New book? Or one last look before return?

This charming bench is outside the Plum City Public Library in Pierce County Wisconsin. It is one of four libraries in the area where you will find the Crystal Springs Romances: Starr Tree Farm, Hiding Places, and Seed of Desire.

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More than Size Matters

ellenparkerwrites

Libraries. My heart has a tender spot for them.

Some of them are housed in impressive buildings. The main building of the St. Louis Public Library recently had a facelift and overdue detailed cleaning. If you visit — be sure to look up and marvel at the ceiling.

Branch libraries, and those in medium-sized towns, run from elegant old buildings to sleek glass and steel. Most have separate areas — actual rooms — for children’s, teen, reference, study, meetings, classes, and computers.

Then there is the small town. Let’s be specific and reference the model for Crystal Springs (check out the three romances set in this fictional town).

The current library is housed in a long, narrow frame building. When I was a child, it was the doctor’s office. Some older folks still referred to it as the “furniture store building”. And I do believe it had other uses before then. The location is great. It’s on main street next door to the elementary school. Parking across the street. Tavern and convenience close by.

Inside they have all the necessities. Books for all ages. Magazines. Audio books. CD’s. Computers. Newspapers and a quiet spot to read them. And friendly staff. They host events and clubs for adults and children. And even the occasional book signing.

The author chats with a home town resident at her debut book signing.

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Good for the Public

ellenparkerwrites

A literate, educated society can accomplish much. They tend to lead others in innovation, application, and the arts.

One way to encourage literary and life-long learning is via a public library.

The buildings vary greatly. Think of a grand building guarded by lion statues. Or a smaller, yet elegant building in the city. But they also come as a portion of a civic center (sharing a roof with the mayor, police, or fire departments), or a storefront in a strip mall.

It’s the inside that matters. Shelves and shelves of books. Arranged by type (fiction or non-fiction) and age groups (children, teens, & adults). Don’t forget the newspapers and magazines. Computers serve a purpose for students of all ages. In most locations you show your library card (often free with proof of residence) and you have use for a specific amount of time.

Children (and parents) enjoy a story hour. What can be better than introducing a new idea in story or song or craft?

Curious about this computer stuff that didn’t exist when you were a student? Check for a class. Want to learn some local history? A craft? Discuss a book? Inquire at the desk – they may offer a class or host a book club.

Looking for a specific author or book? Ask a librarian. In many cases, they can ship books from another location or library system.

Scared? Forget the stereotype of librarian with gray hair in a bun and a frown when you speak above a whisper.

This grand building, in an older neighborhood of a city, holds modern ideas and a helpful staff.

Authors love libraries. If you look carefully, you may see one working at a table. Or browsing the shelves for research materials.

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More than Books

ellenparkerwrites

Have you walked into your local library recently?

Books predominate. Just as you expect. However, they have competition from magazines, music, and movies. Computers available to all fill a need. Classes and lectures are scheduled for a variety of age groups.

It can be a lively place. Or a quiet place if you seek out the reference or study rooms.

Have you walked around your local library recently?

I’m privileged to frequent a new building and when I followed the sidewalk around the side (intending to photograph something across the road) I had a pleasant surprise.

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Library garden. Careful — you might learn something!

Have you checked my “reviews” page recently? Some nice summer reads are displayed  – both historical and contemporary.

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Special Building for a Special Location

ellenparkerwrites

Recent Friday blogs have featured branches of libraries in large, public systems.

Not all libraries fit that model. Smaller town will have one building, or a portion of the building. Frequently these are remodeled from previous businesses or perhaps even a home.

Churches often have libraries with collections primarily for members. Hospitals will have libraries filled with standard texts and recent periodicals. (We all want our physician to be up-to-date.) Schools often have one library per building plus a bookshelf or two in each classroom.

On one of my vacation trips we happened upon a library specialized in content (emphasis on one portion of university studies), but also specialized in construction. Strong winds, rain, and snow will not harm this building. It also matches the style of the living quarters and other structures in the observatory complex.

Mexican library0001_crop

A cozy building for students and staff  at a high point in the Mexican Baja.

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Neighborhood Landmark

ellenparkerwrites

Are buildings female? Like ships? Indulge me and read along.

She’s a grand lady. Designed with a sturdy appearance, to last a century or more. An anchor for the neighborhood. A destination for young and old, rich or poor.

She’s stood on this corner in a municipality long ago absorbed into the city. She was build at a time when “grand entrance” included stone steps up from the sidewalk. Tall wooden doors open to a tiny vestibule — designed as a sort of air lock to keep cold winter winds from sweeping all the way across the main reading room.  High ceilings, marble steps to the daylight basement, high grand windows.

And modern touches. A series of computers for patrons to use. Bar coded materials checked out via computers. Knowledgeable clerks willing to assist.

A modern library in an elegant case.

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Welcome to all. Children can read in the same space parents, grandparents, and also great-grandparents came to discover new friends in books.

 

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New Year, New Branch

ellenparkerwrites

Library, that is. Actually it was open to the public for a handful of days at the end of 2015, but it you like to round and make it easy to remember — 2016!

The second day it was open I went and checked it out. One incentive — two items I’d requested had arrived.

Everything outside the building is raw, tiny plants and virgin pavement contribute to an “unfinished” feel. This is underscored by the houses still under construction next to the library building.

Inside the feeling of “new” and “not quite done” continues. Signage directs patrons to the various departments. A large, open staircase leads to the second floor. An entire wall of windows plus upholstered seating makes a pleasant place to read a magazine while glancing out at traffic on a busy road.

On my second visit — returning items — I was introduced to an automated return system. One item at a time. Wait for the green line. Wait for the green line — but I thought I did. Conveyor belt takes it away and directs it to similar items for reshelving.

Give me a few more visits to get better acquainted and I think I’ll like it. Yes, the old branch was cozy and familiar. It was also crowded, parking at peak times could be a problem, and electrical outlets for computers were at a premium.

Will it become my "second home?"
Will it become my
“second home?”