The Future of Libraries...Great Article

If you are interested in this blog, and in libraries in general, you will probably enjoy this article. It's fairly long, but at least scroll through, look at the pictures, read the captions. I found it encouraging and realistic.

http://www.slate.com/articles/life/design/2014/04/the_future_of_the_library_how_they_ll_evolve_for_the_digital_age.html

69a. Walker Library, Hennepin County MN NEW BUILDING

The Uptown area of Minneapolis, near 29th and Hennepin, has been home to a public library for a  long time. You can put "Walker" in the search field to see one example, the old underground (mostly) facility. You can look at the picture here for an earlier building. The word LIBRARY is on the frieze, but isn't visible in this picture.

And you can read on to learn about the newest library at this busy location (Uptown! Bus Transit Hub!). I visited the older (not oldest) building in summer 2012, shortly before it closed. Today I was happy to visit on the occasion of the grand opening of the new building. What a change! There are windows on three sides of the space. When you enter, you immediately see a row of brightly-colored tables and chairs along the east windows, which look out onto Hennepin Avenue. There are 24 public computers here, and nearby are the non-fiction stacks, where children's non-fiction books are shelved with the general collection. I consider this a nice practice, since an adult looking for information on a specific topic may find a book for a younger audience more accessible, or perhaps better-illustrated, than an "adult" book. Whether kids find it helpful, well, I'd have to ask some. The shelving here is shorter than in many stacks, five shelves high with the top of the shelving units under six feet, a good accessibility feature that also allows light to penetrate the building.

Traveling clockwise around the interior, I came to the Teen area by the south windows which look out on Lagoon. More bright colors here, interesting chairs and tables, six more computers, and a passel of teens.

The children's area is on the west side. This side does not have a full window wall, but it is bright and cheery; in fact, it has some of the most colorful walls I've seen! two steps or a ramp take you up to an area with a window seat and shelves of children's fiction. Fairy tales have their own shelves. There are many picture books plus a long low divider with four computers for kids on one side, bins for children's media and board books on the other.

There is a large program room to one side with a sink and cabinets (think crafts, snacks) and a glass wall that can be slid away like a pocket door...or closed to contain a noisy program. Two features of the children's area are a light table with a construction set made of translucent colored plastic and the Uptown Spring Café, a center for creative play involving toy food and serving implements. I overheard someone say "This is more kids than we have seen in a long time," and I recalled that there were no children in the old building on the day I visited, although it was during the summer.

Past the service desk and self-checkout stations, the north side has another window wall. In this area I found a set of empty shelves waiting to be filled with requested items, the adult fiction stacks, media, and world languages. The languages I saw were Spanish, French, and Arabic; I may have missed some. Easy chairs by these windows provide comfortable places to sit and read. Periodicals are shelved in a way new to me, in clear plastic boxes with a slot on the front for the current issue. I saw these in what I would call "standard" size (New Yorker, etc.) but didn't look to see how they handle larger and smaller format periodicals.

There are a number of meetings rooms of various sizes, of course.

For more information, go to http://www.hclib.org/AgenciesAction.cfm?agency=Wk.

4/26/14, bus

The entrance to the new library, Hennepin and 28th.

A view from Lagoon; the Teen area is inside the first windows.

If you look carefully, you can see the large metal letters L I B R A R Y that once graced the ground above the subterranean library. They now march along the retaining wall by the driveway behind the library.

 

235. Rockford, MN, Public Library, Great River Regional Libraries

I do like small-town libraries, and perhaps part of the reason is little touches like floral centerpieces on the study tables! No, the flowers aren't real (I don't think), but they add a comfortable touch. Just beyond the two study tables was a small browsing area, with the basics: a couch and a window (see below).

There seemed to be a good selection of "Fiction for Children" and "Juvenile Non-Fiction" and series books on labeled shelves. The youngest patrons have a large wooden train set on a low table, and their accompanying adults have a rocker for watching or reading to the young engineers. Most of the library is carpeted, but the area for the little ones is tile, with a number of bright rugs. Very practical! There are  lots of picture books, a nice bright blue child-sized picnic table, and bright posters on the walls. Nearby there are coloring sheets and crayons.

I was pleasantly surprised to see a modest collection of "Easy books in languages other than English," with small numbers in French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Japanese, and German, plus one each in Arabic, Hebrew, and Chinese.

The Young Adult area had a poster about Book Jacket Poetry, suggesting that young people create an example and share it on Facebook. Nearby is an attractive community mosaic created in a Workshop in 2012.

The Rockford Area History Society has provided a "make and take" activity, with biodegradable rice pots, dirt, and lettuce seeds.

For more about the Rockford library, go to http://www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/great-river-regional-library-Rockford

4/24/14, car

This is inside the big window you see in the first picture.

234. Delano, MN Great River Regional Library System

In the lobby, a granite plaque is "Dedicated to all who donated energy and resources to this community project. Delano Public Library, May 2004." So, happy 10th anniversary next month!

If you've been reading the blog, you know that I like "living room" reading areas, and Delano's Char Iten Reading Room is a very nice example...see picture below. Comfy seating and a nice view make me want to sit down and read for a while, instead of keeping on with my visit.

Beyond the reading room is the children's area. Here, the special feature is a mural that wraps around the entire space up at the ceiling. This mural was designed and painted by a Girl Scout as part of her Gold Award project. It shows characters and scenes from many children's classics. In order to avoid copyright problems, she painted each of them from memory. The characters can be recognized, but they have not been copied. She also raised $1000 for books, from classic bake sales and proposals she wrote to various organizations. I'd say that hers was a Gold Award well earned!

The "wall" separating the children's area from the rest of the library is a long s-curve of bookshelves, with computer carrels for adults on the other side. This struck me as a very clever use of space, and the curve creates visual interest.

A couple of "passive programming" activities were blank cards to decorate for "Mother's Day, a birthday, or just to say Hello" and a clever "bookworm" to make from a strip of felt and a few pop can tabs.

All of this is wonderful, but I think my favorite feature here, and perhaps my favorite Teen area yet, is The Vault. This is a corner room with a study table, upholstered chairs, books and magazines, a bulletin board and art...in the safe of this former bank! I understand that some parents have hinted that the vault door has some interesting possibilities!

I had a great time chatting with the head librarian, who mentioned several ways that this is truly a community library, including the fact that patrons help with IT from time to time, or may look up from a computer or book to help out with another patron's question.

For more about the Delano Public Library, go to http://www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/great-river-regional-library-Delano.

4/24/2014, car

The Char Iten Reading Room...make yourself at home!

Weeding

When I started working as a page at the Nashua, NH, public library back in the 50s, one of my first tasks was to pull the covers off weeded books. This was my introduction to the concept of weeding a library collection. At the time, I was a high school kid and very active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship. And I had in the stack of books to be destroyed a two-volume history of the Methodist church. I was devastated. If they library no longer wanted/needed these books, couldn't I have them, please? No. That would be totally against library policy.

I ripped the covers off, of course. In 1955, a regular job (two hours a day, 3 to 5, five days a week, 50 cents an hour) was a real prize for a teen. Especially a teen who didn't NOT want to babysit!

But I've never forgotten.

A while back there was a story about a Library Director in a large public library (I've lost the reference) who directed staff to severely weed the collection. This was done while the Head Librarian was on vacation, and raised a lot of flak among patrons and staff.

And now the University of New Hampshire is in on the act, as in the article below. I sympathize with the library, but also with the faculty. There is no easy answer.

http://www.wmur.com/news/thousands-of-unh-library-books-found-in-dumpster/25595304

233. REVISED Becker MN Public Library , Great River Regional Libraries

[NOTE: The revision is that pictures have been added; see below.]

This library is located within a community center building and very close to the public school. Of the libraries I've visited, this one is probably the most kid-centered. There is a modest collection of adult fiction and non-fiction, and of course patrons have ready access to all of the Great River Regional Libraries resources. But still, Becker is ready for the kids to arrive, with  early literacy, school age, and teen areas spread out along the windows.

I have said that every library I visit has something I've never seen before in a library. In this case, that "something" is a prehistoric bison skeleton named Samuel. This skeleton, I believe, was discovered on land nearby and assembled by the husband of a former librarian. (Please, if my notes are inaccurate, add a comment and set the record straight.)

The connection between the library and the school was affirmed by several displays of children's art work, including ceramics and graphics in several media. Also meeting the needs of the after-school crowd, one table is designated as an OK place to eat a snack. The only other place I've seen this accommodation was in Weare, NH.

I enjoyed seeing a rack of paperback "honor books," which can be read and returned without checking them out. I've seen this once before, I think in Ontario last summer.

Very friendly staff here, and I bought a nice stack of paperback kids' books for next Halloween from the sale rack by the door.

The batteries in my camera quit just as I arrived here. For more about this library, go to http://www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/great-river-regional-library-becker. And I promise I will go back and get a picture of the bison one of these days.


4/12/2014   car  with NJ

Library to the left, community center to the right.

 

Every library needs a focal point...like a 10,000-year-old bison skeleton!

232. REVISED Monticello MN Public Library, Great River Regional Libraries

It was obvious before I walked in that Monticello once had a Carnegie library. Why so easy to spot? Designers took architectural details in stone from the old building and used them to create a backdrop for a bench with a sculpture of a child reading. The parts that are used include the cornerstone with the date 1909. It's very classy.

What seemed obvious to me turned out to be otherwise. Checking the book Carnegie Libraries of Minnesota, I saw that Monticello did not have a Carnegie library. I returned to Monticello on April 24 and talked to five staff people. It turns out that there was an older building, and pieces of that building were used to create the stone sculpture in front of the library. The year, 1909, a common year for Carnegie libraries, was coincidence. The statue of the boy reading was created by a local artist.

Now, as you can see in the first picture, there is an attractive modern building that was once a bank.  Inside, it is teens front and center, with a nice area by the windows. I liked the signs in this area, especially "Sit. Read. Relax. Good dog." and "Read What You Like." Just beyond the teen area are books on cassettes and VHS movies, as well as books on CD and DVD movies.

Another sign, one that I didn't notice until my second visit, says "Parents: Do not allow kids to push the handicap button unless needed. We are trying to conserve energy and heat." I discussed this with staff and learned that there is another reason, one that troubles me at the library where I work, too. When little kids, those who are too young or small to open the door without electronic assistance, learn to use the handicap button, they become able to leave the building without supervision...straight into the parking lot. Also, if a kid stands and studies cause and effect by banging on the button, it can be broken, requiring expensive repairs and inconveniencing patrons who rely on it. Therefore: Let's see this sign posted in a lot more places!

OK, off the soapbox, back to the library.

There are two areas designated for quiet study. One is long and narrow, with 3 tables. The other is larger and reserved for individual quiet study. If you are studying with a buddy, you are asked to use the other area. This seems to be a smart use of space. Between the two areas is a comfortable-looking "living room" area for browsing with four large chairs; I think they are recliners! I spotted separate shelving areas for biographies, cookbooks, and western fiction.

A cluster of at least four public computers were all in use; a sign above them says "Please use Print Preview before printing." I saw that at another library not long ago, and it's a very good reminder.

The children's area is decorated with a larger-than-life "Miss Frizzle" on the wall, exhorting us to "go fly a kite." This figure is dressed in fabric and it's clear someone put a lot of work and care into it.

The Friends of the Library were having a book sale today. We were there shortly after opening, and the sale was mobbed! Too crowded for browsing, so I settled for admiring the poster displayed outside the sale room, showing the many ways that the Friends support the library. I suspect that pictures of people actually doing various projects is probably a more effective recruiting tool than a simple list of "ways you can help."

For more about this library go to http://www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/great-river-regional-library-monticello

4/12/2014   car   with NJ

The features that made me think there had once been a Carnegie library in town.

Larger-than-life Miss Frizzle overseeing the children's area.

 

Safe Haven Library, Ban Tha Song Yang, Thailand

Every library should provide a safe haven...this one, perhaps, more than most. I found it in the book Tiny Homes, Simple Shelter: Scaling Back in the 21st Century, by Lloyd Kahn. The best I can do is direct you to their website:

http://www.archdaily.com/30764/safe-haven-library-tyin-tegnestue/

231. St. Peter Library, St. Peter, Minnesota

I entered directly from the parking lot, but there is also an entrance through the attached community center. There is a magazine and paperback exchange, but if you have items to donate, "Please visit the circulation desk." A sign by the courtesy phone asks you to limit calls to 2 minutes.

The children's area has a window wall that overlooks a park and playground. There is a "playpen" made of plastic panels to confine the smallest crawlers. The only other place I've seen something like that was a very small library in a suburb west of Minneapolis. It seems to me a useful solution to a wiggly child with an adult who would like to select books--in the immediate area, of course!

Two "Little Tykes" computers have seats wide enough for two children each. Parents are asked to "Please supervise your child at the computer. Feel free to pull up a chair." Four regular computers are available for school age kids and there is a restroom in the children's area, always a good idea.

I was distracted from my look-around by two amusing signs outside the children's librarian's office:

"Everything in moderation. Except awesome. You can never have too much awesome."

and

"I'm going to stand outside, so if anyone asks, I'm outstanding."

I'm sorry I didn't meet the person who posted those signs.

One thing I totally meant to ask about, and forgot: The children's area has "Junior Fiction" shelves, and "Juvenile Non-Fiction." I wonder why the distinction between Junior and Juvenile. Perhaps someone reading this will comment and let me know.

The window wall extends beyond the children's area into teen territory, where there are the largest beanbag chairs/couches I have ever seen. No teens, however, just a mom reading to a toddler on one of the beanbags.

At some point I noticed the large stone columns throughout the library and had the sense to look up, fortunately. I would hate to have missed the wooden beams overhead with their blue ironwork. Gorgeous! The library was built, I believe, in 1998, after a devastating tornado tore through St. Peter.

This was my sixth stop of the day, so I haven't done the adult area justice. The window wall continues here. There is a nice "living room" area by a handsome fireplace. There is a grandfather clock, which I mentioned to a staffer. She told me that the loud chiming of that clock is very effective at reminding patrons of closing time! The adult area also has a large, soothing fish tank. Finally, I spotted a clever display titled "Red" any good books lately? The books on the shelves below all had red covers, of course.

For more about this library, go to http://www.saintpetermn.gov/library/

4/1/2014, car

230. New Ulm Public Library, New Ulm, MN

I entered at what appears to be a middle level, where I found a large mural of a prairie scene, a magazine exchange, a courtesy phone, at least 10 computers, the service desk, and...something new...life jackets to check out!

Heading upstairs first, I found that the YA area is in the process of being moved. What I think is the new area is near a window wall and has some sofas and chairs that are comfy enough for a teen-age napper, judging from the teenage boy who appeared to be napping in a chair. Also on this level are the non-fiction collection and a couple of catalog computers. There are lots of study carrels around the perimeter.

The Friends of the Library have an attractive membership tree, a quilted tree with members' names added on paper "leaves." Nice idea.

On the lower level I saw a poster about a "Mono-Mouse-RM Magnifier" available through a trial program; this was near the Large-Type collection. I googled this, and got only ads, so I'll leave it to you to follow my footsteps, if you are interested.

The fiction collection and at least 24 Book Club in a Bag sets are on this level. The window wall faces the street, but there is a nice "living room" area plus various tables and chairs for browsers.

The children's area is in the other side of the building, reminiscent of the layout in Albert Lea. "Do not leave young children in the children's room without supervision. Library staff are NOT day care providers. If caregiver or parent cannot be found, the police department will be called. Children's safety is our primary concern." This sign is important, I think, because the children's area is so separate from the rest of the library. If a parent left a kid here and went off to do some research on a computer, say, there could be real problems.

A computer for kids to use is near the entrance. Beside it on a table are two iPads as well. There is no outside view, but many large, high windows make the space light and bright. I noticed that novelty and pop-up books may be enjoyed at the library but do not circulate. I expect that extends their lives significantly! There are many bins and low shelves of picture books.

The other end of the kids' space holds Junior fiction and non-fiction, lots of VHS and DVD movies, and notebooks with Accelerated Reader lists for two elementary schools. I'm not an AR fan, but if the schools are using that program, it's good that the library is participating in this way.

For more information, go to http://www.newulmlibrary.org/

4/1/2014, car

229. Truman Branch Library, Martin County Library System, Minnesota

Just inside the door of this small library is the children's area. There is an IBM "Little Tykes" computer here, and the wall is brightened by castle and princess cutouts. I like the curved-front bookcases in a nice bright green.

There are two public computers, and a sign asks that you use hand sanitizer before and after using them.

A sign I enjoyed says "Please ask if you have any fines to pay!! Sometimes I forget to mention it! This also helps the library system with our costs! Thank you!!"

The children's area is labeled the Junior area. There is a good collection of books, plus games. "Please put games away nicely if you get them out." It was impressive that even such a small space has clearly separate areas for "juniors" and tiny tots.

I may have missed these in other libraries, but this is the first place I recall seeing a collection of local high school yearbooks. The librarian told me that they are very popular, especially with people who come back to town for visits.

The librarian explained that the Truman Library is part of the Traverse de Sioux region, and gets a rotating selection of books each month to keep the collection fresh. And speaking of fresh, when she came to Truman she wanted to spruce the place up. So she painted the walls, added the above-mentioned castle and princess decorations, and (she didn't say, but I'm willing to bet) added the large labels for the Young Adult, Non Fiction, Audio, and Junior areas. The results are very effective.

For more about the Martin County Library System, which is part of the Traverse de Sioux region (the library doesn't seem to have its own web page), go to http://www.martincountylibrarysystem.org/.

4/1/2014, car

The Truman Library is next door to the fire station,

so it is well protected by a firefighter and an EMT.

228. Mapleton Public Library, Mapleton, MN

I didn't know that Mapleton is the Curling Capital of Southern Minnesota! I also didn't know that I was going to find a Carnegie library here.

Unlike many Carnegie libraries, this one, built in 1910, has not been enlarged. The only change I'm aware of is that a false ceiling was added in the 60's and removed in time for the centennial in 2010, exposing the original very attractive coved ceiling. The building features the tall windows so common to these libraries, making it very light and pleasant inside.

Being the only visitor to a small library is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it is nice to be greeted by the librarian, to chat and learn some of the history from her. On the other hand, it's difficult to poke around. I mean, I could have, but...well, for one thing, the library consists of two spaces, for kids and adults, with a circulation desk between them. Not much to poke into!

The children's area features a large, sturdy dollhouse, built by the librarian's husband, which I was told gets lots of use. There is also a life-sized cutout of the Wimpy Kid character; why have I not seen this anywhere else?

Probably because we were chatting, my notes are rather pathetic. You can learn more by going to http://www.mapletonmn.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={F5DA1AFA-6C5C-47A0-8D4A-9E26E5ABA0EB}.

4/1/2014, car

227. Delavan, MN

This library was the purpose of today's trip. I learned from the Small and Rural Libraries Round Table on Facebook that this tiny town, population about 200, had just opened its own library. The library is open only on Tuesdays, and I usually volunteer at a local school on Tuesdays, so Spring Break for the St. Paul schools gave me my chance. And it was an interesting experience.

The library, in a former bank building, was easy to find. I had been told that it would be open from 10 to 2, and I got there at about 11:15. The door was unlocked, so I went in. The place had an empty feel, and I saw a notice on a bulletin board with different hours. Hmmm. Since it was open, I decided to give myself a tour. The big feature, of course, is an enormous stainless steel door to a safe. There is a glassed-in corner office, a conference room, and a small children's room in the rear. I enjoyed this room for a few minutes, noting the attractive collection of books, a round table with four chairs, and the Put Me in the Zoo book with a matching spotted stuffed animal.

Then I went to the conference room, where a man was working on a laptop, and asked whether the library was open or not. Well, the librarian was not there, but she lets him stay and use the Wi-Fi. I'm glad she does, because he was a very  helpful guide. I learned that the corner office belongs to the Town Clerk, and the conference room is used for Town Council meetings. The big safe is used for storage of special materials. The American Legion uses the tables in the front for their morning coffee hour, and the small safe in the rear is used to store their ceremonial rifles. When the branch bank closed last Fall, the bank deeded the building to the town, and now they are clearly finding many ways to use it.

And the library? Well, in addition to the children's area, there are two public computers, a small collection of books, and a librarian's desk in the center of the space.

Some people say libraries are, or soon will be, unnecessary. Small  town libraries like this give me confidence that they will be with us for a long time.

If the Delavan librarian reads this, I'm sorry I missed you. Perhaps you will comment with information about whether Delavan shares books with other nearby libraries, and so forth. Please?

For pictures from the grand opening, go here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.749914435019093.1073741834.121712764505933&type=1

4/1/2014, car

The sign is hard to read here; it says Delavan City Center Library.

That's my new car in the foreground!

226. Albert Lea Public Library, MN

Thanks to my GPS, I parked at what I learned was the rear of the library. Because of that, the place sort of sneaked up on me. Entering at what turned out to be an upper level, I found the lobby of the city hall and the library, with a number of tables for two spaced around. A left turn into the library surprised me with a long window wall looking out over a still-frozen lake that I'm sure will be lovely in a month! The next thing I spotted was a Guest Book, inviting people to indicate their presence and make comments...which I did. First time I've seen a Guest Book in a library!

After a bit of exploration, I realized that this level houses the adult browsing and fiction area and an area designated for teens, which share the window wall. I liked the availability of wheeled wooden carts throughout this area with this sign: "Changed your mind? Let us re-shelve your books. Place unwanted items here. Thank you."

An interesting display was headed "Choose Civility: The Power of Words. Freeborn County, MN. Read and find out how the characters 'choose civility'." The books appeared to related in various ways to bullying. I have read or heard somewhere about a "choose civility" program or emphasis; this is the first time I've seen it presented in this way. Nice.

There is a large collection of Playaway audio books "Made possible with funds provided by ALPL Foundation Book Store." There was also a large collection of regular audio books on CD. But I still hadn't seen any non-fiction or children's material. I went back to the lobby and down two flights of stairs (lined with very nice children's art from the '2009 Art Zone Project) and found the bookstore. After a quick look, I headed up to what I now knew was the "middle level." As I entered this part of the library, I chuckled to see a sign sharing library statistics from 2013, and pointing out that "ALPL circulated 150% more items/hour than Austin." A bit of neighborly rivalry!

One side of this level is called "The Information Library," a nice way to designate non-fiction, especially as it has its own space. There is a long window wall, matching the one in the fiction area on the upper level. I saw at least eight public computers, study tables, and a respectable non-fiction collection, including the J items.

Across the way (beneath City Hall, I believe) is the children's area. I was told that this space is quite new, and I like the way the library is divided. The children's area can be completely closed off from the Information Library, allowing for lively (i.e. noisy) programs. One side of this space has, of course, a wall of windows looking out at the lake; the other side has a very handsome mural painted by someone whose roots are in Albert Lea. I'm sorry I didn't get the artist's name, but I did take a picture. See below...but be aware that one photo can in no way do this art justice. If you visit, ask someone to show you the clever trompe l'oeil that is worked into the mural.

In keeping with the "civility" material on the upper level, the kids have a wall with pictures of children and descriptions of what they have done to merit placement in the "Kids for Kindness" display. Examples: "I say please and thanks to the lunch ladies at school." "I held the door for my Mom when her hands were full."

This area includes a puppet theater on wheels (nice idea), wood bins with Duplo, Lincoln Logs, etc., padded benches along the window wall, a bright rug for the tiny tots area, and a coat closet with hooks and a bench.

For more information about this library, go to http://alplonline.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Albert-Lea-Public-Library/109033015805163.

4/1/2014, car

 

The photo can't begin to do the mural justice!

Seikei University Library, Japan

I could also have titled this post "Should Libraries be Quiet...Part 2." And no, I haven't visited this library, though I'd like to.

Today I chanced upon a library with a unique approach to silent study areas. I was reading in the NYT about an architect, Shigeru Ban, this year's winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize. He has a unique approach to materials and an apparent social conscience...see the article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/25/arts/design/shigeru-ban-an-architect-of-social-change.html?emc=edit_th_20140325&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=51859625

There was also mention of some of his more "traditional" projects, including this university library. Those mushroom-shaped study areas are anything but traditional, IMO.

http://mark.space.4goo.net/photos/10007899?q=Seikei+University

I couldn't find a way to post separate pictures; the best views of the "pods" are toward the end.

St. Bonifacius, Hennepin County -- Revisit

This was a spontaneous visit, prompted when I realized that my route home from my last stop would take me right through this small town. I visited in the summer of 2012, and although I refuse to have a "favorite" library, I do like this one.

Why? For one thing, it's tiny. It's probably the smallest of any I've visited. But it has public computers, and of course patrons can request anything available in Hennepin County--or beyond, with Interlibrary Loan. For a second thing, it's cute, with its green and white paint job. And finally, it has a lion. On this trip, I got a picture of the lion, and when I sort out my pesky camera, you will see it here.

Nice friendly staff, too, but that's a given almost anywhere I go.

To learn more, go to http://www.hclib.org/AgenciesAction.cfm?agency=SB

3/15/14, car

225. Hutchinson, MN, Library -- Pioneerland

I never would have suspected it, given the direction I approached from, but the original building is a Carnegie library. It has been remodeled in a way that reminds me of the Little Falls, MN, library. That is, the new portion has been wrapped around the original building, so that the "back wall" becomes a divider of sorts. It's hard to describe...you really should just drive out and take a look!

One enters on the main level of the new building. Downstairs are restrooms, a meeting room, and "archives." Upstairs is a large space that seems to be used mainly for periodical and paperback fiction browsing. There is a long narrow study space with three desks that overlook the new space below, and two small study spaces on the old "front" of the building, flanking the original entrance. Very creative use of small, unusual spaces. There is also a fireplace (very Carnegie), a quilt hanging over it (very Minnesota) and a grandfather clock (very New Hampshire). I was told that the clock came from the original library.

In the teen area I found some passive programming that was new to me. This is "Teen Tech Week" (March 9-15, 2014) and kids were invited to tackle two challenges. First, look at the cut-up pages of a book in a jar, and try to guess which of ten books pictured on a poster the pages were taken from. Second, a "Scrappenger Hunt." That took me a minute to decode, until mentally replacing "app" with a "v" made it clear. There were five tasks in this hunt, including "Liking" the library's Facebook page, tweeting a favorite book quote, and so forth. I assume there were prizes. There seemed to be a good number of entries.

Another neat bit of programming involves a paper with room for up to 12 books and authors and a five-star rating opportunity for each. Many completed papers (not all with 12, but some) were in a container on a shelf. It looked at a glance as if this was mainly for adults. Also, residents of Hutchinson are reading "Orphan Train," and a display showed children's books that tie in with the adult volume.

The children's area has a very nice, old-looking puppet theater, and a LARGE stuffed bear on the floor with a sign that says "Read to Me!"

Cell phones and book drops ... can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em. Here, signs point out that the book drop is locked when the library is open, and state plainly that the library is a quiet zone, to be enjoyed with your cell phone turned off.

For more information, see http://www.hutchinson.lib.mn.us/

3/15/14, car

The entrance hints at what you will see if you look from the "back" of the building.

Yes, it is a Carnegie library, looking out onto a town park.

224. Litchfield, MN, Pioneerland

On my way in, I noticed the "Carnegie Meeting Room." On my way out, I saw a picture on the wall that prompted me to ask, and yes, Litchfield did have a Carnegie library. The building is still standing, minus its dome, and is being used for multiple purposes. But the library I visited is quite new.

The lobby has a free phone for local calls, which I appreciate seeing in these times of "Everyone has a cell phone." No, "everyone" doesn't. And the batteries sometimes give out. There was a display about the importance of animal shelters, too. Like, like, like.

A sign reminiscent of Howard Lake says

DANGER -- Ninjas, pirates, monsters and zombies.

A nice display on the wall in the children's area lists literary genres (fiction, non-fiction, folktale, drama, poetry) and defines mystery, realistic fiction, fairy tale, fantasy, legend, tall tale, biography, autobiography, historic fiction, myth, fable, science fiction, and information. The tops of all shelves in the kids' area are lined with standing-up books, which create a very appealing display. I kept wanting to read, and I jotted several titles that were new to me, to request when I got home.

A very long window wall with a cushioned seat faces a rug with a pond-and-bridge design. There are four computers for kids 17 and under, or adults with children 12 and under. There is a fair-sized collection of books in Spanish. A display of Lego models includes at least two by girls, always good to see.

There is a restroom in the children's area that is definitely proportioned for little kids.

A small room holds a copier/printer and a workspace with a stapler, etc.

I saw two small study rooms, and there must be a third, because the ones I saw were "2" and "3." These rooms are kept locked, and must be requested at the service desk.

In the adult area the stacks are wooden shelves with paneled ends, which look very classy. I wonder now, but I didn't ask, whether they were designed as a nod to the old Carnegie building. The adults have two "living room" reading areas with floor-to-ceiling windows and comfortable chairs. There are many VHS tapes, books on tape, as well as their DVD and CD counterparts. The adults have about a dozen computers.

In the lobby, a large, handsome metal tree is mounted on the wall. A Plexiglas form over the tree holds metal "leaves" with the names of donors.

For more information, see http://litchlibrary.blogspot.com/.

3/15/14, car

This is the "new" Litchfield Library.

The Carnegie library building is still in use for various purposes.

223. Cokato, MN GRRL

This library will have a re-visit in a couple of months, since they are in the midst of a remodeling project. I'm curious to see what they will do. In the meantime, if you need a very sturdy, low table, a two-sided wooden bookcase, or a large wire rack...stop by and make an offer! Or you can buy books from the Friends, sign up for a June Cleaver Tea ($15.00), or just put a contribution in the container on the desk.

According to signs, the book drop is emptied one hour before opening, and you will please not put bags of books in the book drop. I totally understand!

Little kids can play with a plastic barn and dollhouse. There was a display of Seuss and LeSieg books on one shelf, and helves with series books are labeled.

I think this is where I saw the useful sign "Please use Print Preview before printing!" If it wasn't, I apologize; I think it should be everywhere.

Pretty slim report here. I will make up for it on a return visit, I promise.

For more information, go to http://www.griver.org/locations-and-hours/great-river-regional-library-cokato

3/15/14, car

222. Howard Lake, MN GRRL

I hadn't planned to stop here on my little tour today (in the new car), but the blue and white library sign was right out by the main road, so I just had to. And I'm glad I did!

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

A map of my visits ... maybe

When I started this blog (August 7, 2012), several people were after me to have a map showing where I'd been. Today, I tried to start that project. I have a Google Map that shows all the sites visited in 2012, which means I'm about half way there. How to link it to the blog, and how to link a spot on the map to the appropriate spot on the map, well, those are problems I haven't solved yet. If you have ideas, tell me. In the meantime, I'm going to click on "Link" in the line above where I'm typing, and see what happens if I paste in what I think is a link to the map.

Map of Libraries Visited

Library Changes

I visit the Minneapolis Central Library almost every Wednesday, partly to drop off donations and visit with a volunteer in the bookstore, partly because I always have something to return or pick up at the library. And partly to provide opportunity for serendipity to surprise me.

Yesterday I met another bookstore visitor, and the volunteer, this visitor, and I got chatting. Turns out that he and I had similar majors at U of M back in the day and knew some of the same professors and their foibles. That kind of connection is always fun. But the reason for this post is that he told me about a NYT article I had somehow missed, about the Boston Public Library, and changes coming there, and changes to libraries in general. So I had to track down the article, of course, and it's fascinating. I visited BPL very briefly a bit more than a year ago, between arriving in Boston by bus from NH and leaving Boston by train for Minnesota. After reading this article, I know I will have to plan for a longer visit at the first opportunity.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/08/us/breaking-out-of-the-library-mold-in-boston-and-beyond.html?action=click&module=Search&region=searchResults%230&version=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fquery.nytimes.com%2Fsearch%2Fsitesearch%2F%23%2Fboston%2520public%2520library%2F

Oh, about the "eating in the library" comments in the article? Don't try it in Minneapolis Central. Not even M&Ms. Trust me, I know.

Should libraries be quiet?

Libraries seem to be getting louder and louder. Cells phones are used even where signs say "No cellphones." Children's areas are designed for more active play. Teen areas encourage visiting. The library where I work has two very small study rooms, suited for only one or two persons at a time; weekends often see groups of four to six teens clustered around tables working on homework together. People cluster around computers, chatting about what is on the screen. Except for the cell phones, this is all well and good. An earlier post about a Hennepin County library prompted a comment from a person who was trying to tutor at that branch, and was having trouble because of the ambient noise level.

I was trying to come to terms with all of this when I read the attached article. What do you think?

http://www.salon.com/2013/01/31/bring_back_shushing_librarians/

Webber Park - Hennepin County, MN -- Revisit?

In an earlier post, I shared a link to an article about this library; here's the link again: .

http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2013/11/18/webber-library-will-remain-closed
Despite the article title, the library has not remained closed, though it is no longer in the same building. I've been meaning to visit Webber Park Branch in its temporary location ever since it opened, and today, despite light snow and some puzzling Mapquest directions, I made it. It's an example of providing what is needed by the community, and only what is needed, in a pleasant but basic way.

The browsing collection is very small, but ranges across non-fiction, fiction, romance, sci-fi, westerns, and mysteries. Of course, this collection is supplemented by access on request to anything in the Hennepin County system.

The children's area is the size of the large, colorful rug that defines it. There are children's books on wall shelves, and picture books in bins. A tween, one of two patrons present, was working on a puzzle when I was there. An area near the front is designated for teens. I counted 12 public access computers, including two for teens, two for kids, and two "express" for short sessions. None of the computers were in use, which I attribute mainly to the unpleasant weather.

Two staff were on duty today, and I think I met one or both of them when I visited the former site in the summer of 2012. I should have asked about programming, like story hours or adult programs, but I forgot. Perhaps someone will provide information in a comment? Please?

I commend this branch for carrying on despite the loss of their building in the park, and I hope that Hennepin County is able to put them on the fast track for a new building.

In addition to the link above, look here for more information: http://www.hclib.org/pub/info/buildingprojects/library.cfm?BlogPostID=157

2/15/2014,  car

Looking at this photo, I wish that I had asked whether the "OPEN" sign is the one they had at the old location. I thought it was special, because it has a "donated by" designation on the back.

Little Town of Bethlehem...Already on my list for Summer 2014

How do I decide which libraries to visit? After all, there are about 16,000 of them in the USA alone! Sometimes they are on the route of a trip I'm already taking: last summer, 11 days and 25 libraries. Sometimes a a book suggests one, or four: Main Street Public Library. Sometimes I plan a road trip, especially in MN or WI, just to visit a cluster of town libraries: look here for four or five visits clustered on a single date. Sometimes there is a family connection: Batavia, NY, where my Aunt Ruth was Library Director back in the day. And sometimes I read an irresistible story.

I won't visit this library until my summer trip to New Hampshire, but I can't wait to share the story. My sister sent me this link: http://nhpr.org/post/mystery-donors-tale-sister-brother-and-new-library#.UtP3kRWuGjA.email

Bethlehem, NH, is a small place, population about 2500, in the White Mountains of NH. Their story is amazing. I'll be there and there will be a new post, but probably not until August. I can't wait!

In the meantime, check them out at http://www.bethlehemlibrary.org/page4.html.

But none of them look cozy

I found the post below on Facebook this morning. There are many worthwhile ideas here. There are many beautiful libraries...and some that don't ring my esthetic chimes at all. But there are none that appear to have a cozy circle of comfortable chairs; a flickering fireplace on a cold day; a bright corner with books and toys for the youngest children; programs that bring a community together...

In my opinion, it is the community libraries that meet the needs of a broad range of people that will "save society," not the monumental structures pictured here.

Perhaps I am being unkind. Perhaps there are (at least at some of these) wonderful programs that can't be portrayed in a single photo. And no doubt there are people who find exactly what they need in one of these buildings, something they would not find in a community library. But for me, I'll take a small library with friendly, knowledgeable staff and a cozy place to sit. A view of the natural landscape is a plus. [And of course, inter-library loan is important, too!]

http://www.buzzfeed.com/wordsbydan/28-quotes-about-libraries-on-photos-of-beautiful-l-b6bd

221. Manchester City Library, Manchester, NH

I grew up only 20 or so miles from Manchester, NH, so it seems strange in retrospect that I had never been to this library. The omission was rectified on Friday, Dec. 27, because my sister and I headed for the airport very early, leaving time for one more library visit.

The building is impressive, filling a city block. Manchester being the largest city in NH, it is appropriate that it has the largest library. The building was given by Frank Carpenter in memory of his wife, and it will celebrate its centennial in 2014.

The lobby has a helpful sign that tells what is on each floor and "what you can do" there. There is also a collection box for a local food shelf; I haven't mentioned them, but I saw these in most of the libraries I visited on this trip. Beyond the lobby is a handsome central rotunda, with a circulation desk. To the left are YA books, followed by adult fiction and non-fiction. There are classic "stacks"--I did not determine whether they are open to the public. The stacks that clearly are open are massive, 8 shelves high, with the lowest mere inches above the floor and the highest about seven feet up. Thoughtful signs remind patrons that if they have difficulty with things that are too high--OR TOO LOW--they are welcome to ask for help. Occasional empty shelves or with books that do not match the shelf designations are explained by signs that say "Shifting project in progress."

Tall windows surround the room. Each has a warm air duct and a pew-like window seat.

A sign on a centrally located table asks patrons to "Please remember that this is a public building. Please keep all valuables, especially children, close by." I like this, especially the idea that children are valuable.

The upper floor houses the New Hampshire room, genealogy resources, art, music, and a conference room. We did not go up to that level, but I'm willing to bet
 that there is a grandfather clock up there! Perhaps someone from Manchester will read this and let me know if my hunch is correct.

The lower level has a large room for children's programs and a modest auditorium with raked seating. The rest of the area houses the children's collection. Although this space is partially underground, it is brightened by large windows. A long shelf held near-life-size reindeer and trees made of corrugated cardboard (by the children's librarian, I was told). The space was very quiet when I got there, but before I left a couple of small children burst in, clearly at ease and happy to visit the library.

Almost forgot to mention a teen program that intrigued me: "Ages 12 - 18 are invited to learn and play and enjoy new card, strategy and board games.  Semi-professional gaming geeks will be on hand to mentor new players in an array of classic and modern games." What caught my eye is the presence of "semi-professional gaming geeks"--that should pull in some participants!

For more information about the Manchester library, visit http://www.manchester.lib.nh.us/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/manchesterlibrary.

12/27/2013, bus, plane, car (and headed back to the airport)

 

If you look carefully, you can see part of "Carpenter Memorial Library."

220. Weare Public Library, Weare, NH

The Weare Public Library is clearly in New Hampshire, as it has the requisite grandfather clock! It also has a fireplace, seemingly unused, with a "living room" browsing area. A teen area includes a subscription to Teen Ink, a publication I rarely see. This library clearly caters to a youthful audience, providing a table for after school snacks: "Food may be eaten at this table on school days only between 2:15 and 3:30. Please be seated and use the wastebasket...." From discussion with staff, I gather that the table is a constructive "If you can't lick them, join them" solution to what could become a problem.

A display near the adult collection holds the current NYT bestseller list, with books available at the library highlighted in yellow, those available for download in pink. That's a nice touch. I know that there is a "Knit Night" club, but when I went to the library website to look for other programs, the monthly calendar was still on November, 2013. Oops!

The children's area is downstairs, where the space is divided into a number of alcoves. I spotted at least one set of shelves on wheels, suggesting that it may be possible to rearrange the space for programs. Each alcove had something special, including a large puffy fabric turtle, ideal for the tiny tots to sit or lie on. My favorite was the one with a display on the wall titled "Dewey know where to go?" with Dewey hundreds paired with pictures representing the topics. Very nice and inviting way to introduce nonfiction searching to young patrons.

Another sign said "Hoping to make it easier for you," and pointed out that orange dots on the spines indicate easy chapter books. Two computers are available for kids, and the Friends support a program of museum passes, which is very nice.

For more about this library, go to http://wearepl.wordpress.com/.

12/26/2013    bus, plane, car

219. Tucker Free Library, Henniker, NH

This handsome building was erected in 1903 and has been serving as a library since then. A large room to the left of the entrance houses historical material that belongs to the library, including many historic photographs and old books, a great fireplace, and an amazing dollhouse, built by sixth graders in 1913-14. This school year is therefore the centennial year for the dollhouse, and library staff are trying to learn more about its history. It's a very long shot, but if anyone reading this has any tips, please contact the Tucker Free Library. Seriously!

On the other side of the entrance hall is a quiet room with books and public computers. Directly ahead is the circulation desk and the adult fiction and nonfiction stacks. The circulation desk looks totally at home in the library, although it is very new; it was built by a local craftsman, who did an excellent job of both design and execution.

The children's area is down a flight of stairs at the rear of the building; there is also a more direct entrance from a rear parking lot. The walls here are mostly brick, warmed by light from many windows, bright colors, and cheerful, friendly staff. A large room holds picture books for the youngest patrons, shelved topically. Down another five steps is a similar room for school-age children including teens. Standard metal shelving has been brightened by strips of color on the front-facing edges, bright purple, green, and yellow. Signs invite reading: "It's vacation. Pick a book you want to read." "Cool new reads. Brand new young adult books." There is a flat-screen TV and an X-Box for gamers.

Staff upstairs and down were pleasant, informative, and fun to chat with. Their pride in the library is clear. Congratulations to the Tucker Free Library as they enter their 110th year of serving Henniker residents!

For more about this library, have a look at http://tuckerfreelibrary.org/.

12/26/2013   bus, plane, car

218. Hopkinton Town Library, Contoocook, NH

It's a great treat to be going through a small NH town (with someone else driving in the snow), turn a corner, and find an amazingly handsome library. I was surprised to see the 1998 date in the lobby; this library could have been built yesterday. As soon as we walked in, my sister (the driver) went directly to the inviting granite fireplace she saw straight ahead. I turned left and immediately found one of the "living room" areas I like so much. This one had windows, new books for browsing, and a craft display.

Continuing, I came to the kids' area with three tall windows, each with a cushioned window seat. There were also a wooden train table, a shelf of parenting books, a purple wooden rocker with a Peter Rabbit motif, and a sort of cubby corner with a slightly raised floor; it might be used as a tiny stage, a hiding place, or ... ? Whatever imagination can conjure. The librarian's desk and office plus kitchen and restrooms are nearby. Programming includes a day in early December when parents were invited to drop off kids ages 5 and up, with their dinner, to play "Bingo for Books" and watch a movie while their parents shopped locally. Neat idea! There is also a winter Story Walk based on Jan Brett's Three Snow Bears; the walk is located at a nearby playground.

There is a long table with a lendable telescope and a variety of games. A long screened porch is lined with Adirondack chairs, perfect for reading in more clement weather. I learned that a mirror image of this porch is on the other side of the library, but did not see it.

One thing had puzzled me: every NH library, it seems, has a grandfather clock. A staff person showed me the "History Room" and there it was. See picture below. [The picture of the clock will be delayed until I am able to rotate it 90 degrees!] This room is full of murals painted by local residents, showing a variety of local scenes. There is a lot of talent here!

One of my favorite features was the prevalence of READ posters featuring local individuals and groups: cheerleaders, a firefighter, families, the knitting club! These posters, in full color, are created by high school students as part of a graphic arts class--what a great idea.

For more information, have a look at http://hopkintontownlibrary.org/.

12/26/2013 bus, plane, car

A fireplace in the Granite State, the perfect place to sit on a snowy day.

 

 

217. Durham Town Library, Durham NH -- Revisit?

Is this a revisit or not? Well, I posted about the Durham library last June, after peering in the windows and looking at signs at their "temporary" (about 15 years) location in a small strip mall. This week I made my first visit to their new quarters, a stunning small building in this university town. Nestled into fraternity row, the new facility is comprised of an old house and an attached new building.

There's something new to see at every library, right? Here, it was outside: bike racks (no big deal) housed under a portico called the Bike Porch (very clever and thoughtful idea). Entering the lobby, the library proper is to the left. To the right, stairs and an elevator take you up one level to the main floor of the old house. A small room houses the Friends bookshop and a long room houses the self-service Cafe. Beyond the cafe and to the left is the original living room of the old house, now holding a long conference table and a fireplace.

Another level up is a large program room that can be divided. When I was there, a showing of Polar Express was just ending, with pajama-clad kids clambering down the stairs. The area outside the program room provides an art gallery for local talent, of which there is plenty.

OK, back downstairs and into the library. Initially I bypassed the adult area, on my way to see the piece de resistance, the life-sized reproduction of a boat known as a gundelow. [You'll have to go to their website to see this boat; see the link below.] Behind the gundelow is a large program room for the children's area, partially carpeted for story time, partially tiled for crafts. The boat and program room make this a real sister to the main library in LaCrosse, WI.

A flyer about programs includes the usual suspects, including a summer program, but also a few surprises: a University of New Hampshire "reading buddy" program, a middle school book club called "Bookeaters," a high school club called "Libros Lovers," a writing/blog group, and a reading patch program that rewards reading during the school year. [Note: The middle school group should check out www.unshelved.com and look for the Bibliovore T-shirts.]

The teen area is a separate room, with a door, right beside the youth services office and desk; this gives it a nice set-apart feel, but is close enough for good supervision. There are computers, games, and a large flat-screen TV. I learned that the library is within walking distance of the middle school, and is very lively with young people when school gets out. [I was there on the Saturday before Christmas; not a kid in sight!]

Each new section of the library has large alcoves with tall windows and comfortable seating. There is one such area for adults as you enter the library (with a seasonal reading porch outside), one in the children's area, one in the pre-school area, and so forth. the teen area, and the "back" of the adult area. Each has its own personality. The windows look out on buildings in a couple of cases, but also onto a lawn and wooded area. One view includes sculptures of a woman who was a major benefactor, her husband, and swans, famous in Durham.

Re-reading this, it seems that adults have been neglected. Not so...they have a couple of comfortable reading areas, computers, and collections of fiction and nonfiction. Staff is very friendly and helpful.

For more information, go to http://www.durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/ or their page on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/Durham.NH.Public.Library.

12/21/13, bus, plane, car

Sorry, I didn't have a camera with me; there are plenty of pictures on the websites mentioned above, and I strongly suggest that you have a look!

Updated: Adventures of a Librarian: Siskiyou County, CA -- 1937

This report came to me long ago from a friend who has connections with the author. I've misplaced the original, but I recently discovered the text on a floppy (yes, a floppy) disk. I read this to a mixed-age group at a bookstore 10 years ago, and I will read it to third graders soon, each time challenging them to create pictures in their minds. As you read, try to remember that this is a report; at least, that was the intention. The location is the far northern area of California; I'm looking for a period map to add. In the meantime, enjoy. And visualize!

I read the report to the kids today (12/10/13). Despite having a guest (substitute) teacher, and two restless days of indoor recess because of cold and snow (as in the report), they stayed with it, paying good attention. The hardest part seemed to be understanding that I had read them a real report, by a real person. One girl asked "Where can I get the book?"

LOTTIE BALL'S REPORT

No doubt you have received the two circulation reports, Dec. & Jan. sent you last week, but as the mail has been held up by snow in the mountains, it may be that the letter has been delayed.  I mailed the reports on January 29, and also two boxes of books (28 books), which left Cecilville at the same time (Feb. 1)  I put the books in two boxes so that they would have a better chance of going through, but snow began to fall again on the evening of Jan 31 and it stormed here very hard on Feb. 1, so probably the books did not get any further on their way than Snowden, which is the changing place from stage to mules on this side of the Etna mountain.

I waited a long time in Etna before starting for Sawyer's Bar.  The stage was not running, and it seemed as if I could not bring myself to the point of starting out on muleback at 6 A.M. with the temperature considerably below zero.  It is simply impossible to keep ones feet warm, and it takes four or five hours to make the trip to Snowden at best, and longer if snow conditions are bad. 

By waiting, I managed to get from Etna to Sawyers Bar by stage.  It was the only day that the stage did go through and then only because the contractors had a big load of freight they wanted to take over the mountain.

[For an idea of this trip, go to MapQuest and ask for directions from Etna to Sawyer's Bar to Snowden. Be sure to mentally adjust anything resembling today's Rte. 5 to be the smallest yellow line on the map!]

We left the post office at six, and crawled up the mountain to the rest cabin on the mountain, where we had to wait for the bulldozer, and then when the man did come we had to wait while he built a fire under it to thaw out the frozen grease.  The waiting was not so bad as the stage driver built a fire and we, there was another passenger, warmed up thoroughly.  It was interesting too, for the stage driver is quite a talker and a lover of horses, and he entertained us with the history of Arabian horses in this country; the origin of Pintos and tales of race horses which he named, and how they pep 'em up with dope and what-not, and so on, and then the passenger, who was a mining engineer told of his experiences with mules in Mexico.  All very interesting.

Then the bulldozer started up the mountain and we crawled along behind and finally went ahead.  It was hard going.  The road had been opened on Saturday (this was Monday) but the wind and squally weather Saturday night had filled the road with drifts, so it was slow.  Near the top it was worse.  We could see the other stage parked up there and two men coming down from the top tramping the snow down with their feet to make it easier for our stage to dig in and climb.  The wind was blowing a gale and although it was not storming, clouds of top-snow swirled over the summit and thin streams of snow shot over in places, something like water from a small nozzle on a hose, helping to build up the comb and filling the road faster than the bulldozer could scrape it out.

That machine came up behind us, dragging a coupe, for cars can not get up, when the stage, with its greater power, can.  On this side the road was not so full of drifts and several cars were lined up waiting to go over.  We had to change stages.  It was only about 60 feet between the two trucks but that was far enough.  The stinging wind-driven snow cut on ones face and the wind nearly tore ones hat and coat from them.

Before starting on the stage Monday morning, I had a sort of adventure.  The husband of one of my friends had driven across the mountain Saturday night and wanted to return Sunday to be at his work on Monday.  I started with him Sunday afternoon about 5 P.M.  The road was barely open on Saturday and it was squally Saturday night and while Sunday turned out to be a fine day, the wind blew hard on top, so it was uncertain whether he would make it or not.  We did not, but it was not the snow that blocked us.

It was a beautiful afternoon but oh, so cold at 5 P.M.  I went prepared; experience has taught me how to keep the heat in.  First a long unionsuit, then bloomers and a snug woolen slip-over sweater; two pairs of stocking, overalls; a second woolen sweater high in the neck; a woolen skirt; a pair of men's heavy woolen socks; a pair of gum boots with the overall legs tied down around the ankles; a leather coat; a tweed coat; a muffler around neck and head; a felt hat; gloves; but when I brought out an extra large thick and heavy blanket, my friends had to laugh.

It was a little difficult to climb into the car, but I sat on the blanket and brought it up over my feet and legs and as soon as we were out of town drew it up over my head and shoulders; at least I intended to be warm!

We crawled along.  It soon was dark.  The temperature went down and one could see it getting colder because the snow began to glisten in the car-light and tiny icicles formed on the edges of the drifts where the sun had thawed the snow a little in the afternoon.

At every turn the driver had to maneuver his way, backing and filling and crushing down the snow so that his wheels had traction.  At every steep place I thought we could not make it, because the road was icy under a powder of snow, but we kept going until we were within about a mile of the top.  Our progress was slow, but we went ahead steadily.

Then we came to a turn in the road, and out of the darkness ahead, two men came running and waving us back.  It was not a holdup!  Their car, out of sight around the bend was on fire!  They had seen our lights and were waving us back for fear of an explosion.  The men and my driver walked back around the bend, and of course I had to see too, so climbed out of the car and followed behind them.

It was an eerie sight!  The still dark woods mantled in snow, the snowy road, the three black figures ahead, silhouetted against the glowing back window of the car (the fire was still in the interior of the car) no light except the glow in the car and star-light. There was no wind; everything was so still except for the squeak, squeak of the frozen snow underfoot and a faint hissing sound from the fire.  Weird is a good word to describe the picture.  We seemed so far away and detached from the world.  We looked on; the trees looked on; nothing could be done.  The fire had started under the floor and had a good start; there was no way to extinguish it.

I went back to our car; the men stayed and watched the fire; it did not show from where I sat, but presently a pale glow lighted the tops of the trees around the bend, but there was no sound.  The thing I will always remember was the profound silence; it was like sitting out alone in nowhere.

When the men came back the three squeezed into the seat with me, a seat built for two in the days when two were meant.  They had low shoes on their feet and thin socks, so their feet were soaking.  One of them said he did not know that feet could get so cold.  They had started out without even a shovel and were helpless when the fire started as their car was wedged in a snow drift.  The owner had been demonstrating the car to his friend, a possible purchase.  It was a new Super-Charger Grahame Page.  He had intended to show how his car would take the top with ease, but that was one sale that was not consummated and of course the other man will never buy a Super-Charger Grahame-Page now.

 [I'm not certain of the date, but that ill-fated Graham-Page may have looked something like this:

 

At Sawyers, there was no mule for me to ride the next day, so I had to lay over, and of course it stormed.  14 inches of new snow fell and piled up on that already on the ground.  But there was more or less excitement; cars came "around the Horn" and owners knocked at the Hotel at all hours.  About 2 A.M. a resounding knock at the door wakened everyone, a male voice pleaded, "Please Betty, please Betty." Betty appeared to be cross but finally softened and told the wayfarer to go around and take an upstairs room.

In the morning it turned out that people from the White Bear had gone out the day the mountain opened but had had to come around by way of the Klamath.  They were still marooned in Sawyers when I left.

That day more excitement; the road dropped out from under the front end of a car passing the Hotel.  Soon all the men (or so it seemed) and all the dogs and most of the women in Sawyers came to see and give advice.  The car was finally hauled out onto the road again, and the Constabule put a flare over the hole as it was evening.  No harm was done, the crowd and the Constabule went home (it is always constabule in small towns).  Just another old drift had caved in.

I left Sawyers riding the best mule in Siskiyou.  A good mule helps but it is not everything.  Anyway, I put on the sweaters and the socks and the coats and the boots and did not forget the blanket!  It went over my knees and dangled below my feet.  It not only kept knees and feet warmer, but shed snow.  The trees were bowed with snow.  The branches met over the trail, great masses tumbled down; the mules went down to the bottom and broke trail.  My feet dragged in snow nearly all the way to Cecilville, but my good old blanket acted as a buffer and kept the snow off of my boots and out of my stirrups.

I did not melt snow with my feet all that day as did the two packers.  The coldest thing on earth are feet wedged into stirrups by snow.  It packs tight and makes a ball of ice under the sole, not only cold, but difficult to balance on.

I took us from 7 A.M. to nearly 4 P.M. to wallow through with only two short stops at Black Bear and King Solomon.  At King Solomon an Angel in a cook’s cap served us coffee and hot food to stimulate our stomachs so that we could finish the trip alive.  Never until we take such trips do we realize how many muscles we have that we do not use and every one of them protested against the constant slipping and jerking especially toward the end of those weary miles.

And then -- no car at Cecilville!  Road closed!  Saddle changed to horse, old horse!  mount! ride! or rather just sit and endure, until home in sight at last.  Good old home, just like Heaven.  Next day?  I can not write about it yet.

But then, I started to tell you about the circulation reports and my letter has brought me to Heaven, which is really quite some distance from Cecilville, I am forced to believe.  But the book reports -- they are good. This surprising winter has made our branch extremely popular.  People snow-bound, nothing to do but read.  Mr. Ball kept quite a good record, too.  Between times he shoveled snow and looked after the stock.  He loaned books and books and magazines.  The men at the mine are marooned, can not work.  The books have been a Godsend to them, as well as to the East Fork people who live here all the time, one a boy who came from Chicago to visit his father.  He thought of mining as a great game, but has seen nothing of it so far.  Poor lonesome kid, 17 yrs.

Shall I mail this immaterial letter to the Librarian?  I should have sent a nice understandable report about this branch, and here it is an irrelevant three-page letter, but you know so much happens in the mountains; it is not like town where everything is so hum-drum and all of a sameness, that is because everyone follows his little routine there, and here we see or do everything.

I loaned some books yesterday, but before that at 4 A.M. we found a new calf in the snow, nearly frozen; would have been dead by daylight.  We dragged it to shelter of a sort, and brought the good old blanket mentioned already and wrapped the new baby in it.  We heated stovelids to put under it and rubbed it vigorously and kept it warm until daylight, then got a man from the mine to carry it to the kitchen where we finally got it onto its feet and now it is a fine husky fellow out with his Mama.  It is quite an experience, not exactly pleasant, but could never have happened if I had been a branch librarian or custodian in a town; so many things happen in the mountains.

Oh yes, the books!  The boxes contained two recalls besides the others, I also want to ask for an extension on the State book for Mr. Dukes.  Owing to the unfavorable weather and poor traveling conditions the book was not delivered promptly; no way to do so. I hesitated about returning it before Mr. Dukes had it, but finally decided to send it to him and ask for more time.  It did not appear to be such a popular book, that a little more time would matter, but I remembered your plea for "no overtime" on State books.

Between us all, this branch is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable, and with that I must close or write another page!

Sincerely yours,

Lottie Ball