The first thing that caught my eye was a sign in the lobby headed "Why Can't I Skip My 20 Minutes of Reading Tonight?" If you'd like to see it, check here: mv.weldre4.k12.co.us/.../Importance%20of%20Reading%20.pdf
To the right of the entrance is one of the nicest "living room" reading areas that I've seen. The rug, easy chairs, rocker, and sunny windows were very inviting.
A sign I really enjoyed, that I hadn't seen before, is
WARNING: This library may contain unusual, hilarious, fascinating, sinister, and even frightening things. Read at your own risk.
I liked the Dewey Decimal signs in the kids' area, and the large kidney-shaped table that managed to look inviting. [That is, it didn't look like it was waiting for a gang of kids to arrive for tutoring.]
I was intrigued by the "natural world" mural on the walls of the hall leading to the restrooms and drinking fountain. Tipped off by staff, I discovered that the inside walls of the restroom (one of them at least) were similarly decorated--and there was a small artificial pine tree!
I consider this spontaneous stop one of my better decisions of the day!
For more information, go to http://www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/great-river-regional-library-howard-lake
3/15/14 car
Dear Ellen,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting our Howard Lake Library and also for your positive comments! Loved the little yellow paper letting me know that you'd been here, but then felt a little afraid to look at your blog comments! Howard Lake has had a library since 1905, and we love our library!
thanks again!
Deb Cox-Johnson
Deb, I'm sorry you had even a moment of nervousness about my comments. On these "library collecting" visits I look for two things: what I like (or amuses me, in a positive way) and what I haven't seen anywhere else. I'm glad to hear that Howard Lake has had a library for well over 100 years. This is true of so many places I visit. Libraries are alive and well!
DeleteEllen, not too worry- it was only momentary, and then I was so glad you had stopped and so pleased to read your blog!
Deletep.s. Like Cokato, we in Howard Lake also have a sign that says, "Please Use Print Preview Before Printing" . . . now if only we could convince people that it's worth reading :>) best, Deb & Staff
I haven't seen a sign yet that couldn't be ignored. My fave where I work is a patron standing one foot from a sign that says "Tax forms at reference desk," asking me (at the circulation desk) whether we have tax forms.
DeleteReally great comments. They are so true. We love our library. A really fun event is Reading with the Dogs. Deb has done an exceptional job setting up the event. Lately we have had 3 dogs for the kids to read with. During February we also had dog related activities. Join us some scheduled Saturday.
ReplyDeleteNeil, Carol and Penny