Saturday, October 21, 2023

613 Madison Public Library, Madison, New Hampshire


I've learned that three is an optimal number of libraries to visit in one trip It's enough to make the drive worthwhile and it's few enough that I can write the posts before I completely forget what I saw! In the early days of the blog, ten or 11 years ago, I might make five or six visits on one trip, but no more of that.

Enough chatter, Ellen. Get on with the visit.

The first trick was getting to the library. The road that passes the library was in the throes of resurfacing work, with flag-persons managing to keep one lane open at all times. It must have been an experienced crew, because everything seemed to be running smoothly. For a reason that I've now forgotten, I decided to make a left turn into a driveway...and I found myself in the library parking lot! That was better luck than management.

But I wasn't  in the clear yet. There were few kids putting books in the book return and letting off some steam in the parking lot. They let me know that the library opened at 2 pm. Present time: 1:50 or so. No big deal, and I then remembered why Madison was third on my list for the day: I couldn't visit until it opened, of course. Here's a picture of the library from partway up the driveway. The main parking lot is at the top  And right at the tick of two o'clock, the librarian opened the door and we all went in. (How had I missed her arrival? Tricky...she had parked in a separate small lot and entered by a door  on the lower level.)



This is where I got a little skimpy with the pictures, for no specific reason that I recall. But I did get this plaque. Libraries tend to be full of "thank you" and "in honor of...:"messages. I.ve visited a few libraries where everything is credited, shelves, the circulation desk, the restrooms.... I like to imagine the fundraisers that resulted in such bounty. Instead of "one size fits all," what I see is "something here for every budget."


I mentioned that some kids were waiting in the parking lot for the librarian to arrive, right? Well, this tree mural covered the whole end wall of the children's area, and this was the only sample I could get without a child in the picture. I'm guessing that the painting was done by someone local, or perhaps the librarian! It's really very attractive.




I came around a corner in the adult area of the library and found this wonderful nook. Cozy chairs (including a matching chair to the left), footstools, and views to the outdoors, what could be better?


What could be better is a second  area for reading or chatting quietly.


 And one special thing found in every New Hampshire library isa really cool telescope! These have been provided by the New Hampshire Astronomy Society, which seems like a very good idea. Since the telescope is here, it seems that nobody has checked it out to see the meteor shower this weekend. Just as well, since the rain is forecast to last all weekend.


 
10/11/2023

Where to next? I'm not sure. Perhaps a library I visited where I had a different kind of photo problem? It's near a bookstore I want to visit...and I know there will be extensive Halloween decorations., there and in nearby towns. I'll have to see what the weather is next week!