304. MORE -- Turtle Lake, WI, Public Library

Turtle Lake is a town of just of 1000 people--but towns around these parts will have a library! This library, like many others in small towns, shares a building with town offices and a tourism office.

The book and media collection is small, of course. Or perhaps it is quite large, since patrons have access to materials from the entire MORE group of 50 libraries. A few interesting details include the popcorn machine in the storage room, narrow bookshelves at the end of each pair of shelves in the "stacks," one for Stephen King books and the other for Chilton manuals, and a fundraising "thermometer" that looked a bit lonely.

But once I started talking to the librarian, I realized that the physical library is only an outer shell. The woman working on this Saturday morning introduced herself as the children's librarian. She is at the library six days a week, providing "a safe place for kids." She thought for a moment and then told me that she probably knows more than 60 kids "quite well." After work, her husband helps with homework. Every week there is a craft project and "in three years, there have been no repeats!" When I was there, about a half dozen kids, pre-teens or tweens, were clustered around a couple of laptops. I didn't get a good look at the kids' corner for the best of reasons--it was full of kids!

Once a week, the local kindergarten class walks over for story time, a craft, and a snack.

I did not get her name, but February 1, 2015, will mark her third anniversary with the library.

There is, of course, an "adult" librarian who works mornings during the week!

For more about Turtle Lake Library, go to http://www.turtlelakepubliclibrary.org/. They don't appear to have a Facebook page, but you might consider going to the Contact Us link on the library page and sending the children's librarian best wishes on her third anniversary. Just sayin' ...


1/31/2015,  car

303. MORE -- Cumberland, WI -- Thomas St. Angelo Public Library

A nice day to get on the road and visit another cluster of libraries in Wisconsin's MORE library information system. MORE serves 50 libraries; with today's four visits, I've now been to 21, and have 29 "more" to go.

My GPS is very clever at bringing me to the street address, but not necessarily the current entrance. In this case, that meant my first view of the library was of the over-100-year-old Carnegie building. I parked there and walked around to the new building, and I would say that this is a very good example of blending the old and the new.

The first floor has a lot of nooks and crannies. To my left as I entered the new part is a comfortable browsing area with periodicals, newspapers, large print books, and a magnifying reader. To the right are a display of mini houses (1:144 scale), a meeting room, rest rooms, and a display of old high school photographs. Further on there are a half dozen public Internet computers and a small coffee area. The coffee area also has an array of round ornaments featuring local businesses. There is also a display of photographs of the Library Directors back to 1901; just seven of them in all that time, I believe, and all women. There is a new director now; her picture will not go up until her tenure ends.

To the back is a jigsaw puzzle in progress, an ancient adding machine ("Do not touch!!") and a book sales room where I found a number of board books for my youngest visitors next Halloween. Nothing like getting an early start! I also bought a book bag; not a standard bag with the library name imprinted, but a very nice handmade fabric bag available "for a donation, minimum $1.00 please."

The stairs go up past a small area titled Thomas St. Angelo Reading Nook. This "nook" includes a set of Harvard Classics, memorabilia about Mr. St. Angelo, an early resident, including reference to a movie, "Thomas St. Angelo: An Unconventional Scholar." When a "move, build new, or add on" decision was in the works, the St. Angelo Charitable Trust contributed a half million dollars, and the library had a new name.

Upstairs is wonderfully light and bright, with tall windows in both the Carnegie and the new parts of the building. The adult fiction and non-fiction are in the Carnegie area with its handsome fireplace and windows with stained glass panels at the top. The children's area is in the new building, with bright colors and murals up by the ceiling. There is a Teen Corner, which  has a couple of study tables and some low chairs for relaxing. I saw that Wii games may be borrowed, "5 per library card." That seems like a pretty generous policy!

BREAKING NEWS--I have just (2/10) received information about the library murals: "The murals in the children's room were done by a local artist - Jeff Hile.  He has Dancing Bird Studio just down the street from the library.  He also did the painting of former librarian Katherine Robinson which is over the elevator door.  The dragon's name is Robbie in her honor.  We had a contest to name the dragon."

For more about the library, go to http://www.cumberlandpl.org/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cumberlandpl.

1/31/2015, car

View from the Carnegie side

Entrance to the new building

Adult area upstairs in the Carnegie building

Shh! Don't wake the sleeping dragon that "guards" the children's area!

I especially like the colorfully-painted table and chairs.

A glimpse into the Teen Center on the left, some of the public computers in the foreground; the wall with the four square windows is in the stairwell, where the gray triangular form lists major donors.

I should have asked about the murals, which are quite wonderful; perhaps someone will read this and share a comment about them.

 

302. Spooner, Wisconsin, Memorial Library

Deep in my DNA, inherited from my father, is the importance of not returning by the same route one took outbound. Therefore, I decided to visit Spooner, WI, on my way home from Duluth, rather than just get on I35. My decision was not at all influenced by one of the Duluth librarians telling me about a wonderful bakery in Spooner. Nope, not at all. And I didn't find the bakery, and I didn't buy more treats than I intended. Not.

The children's area is in the right-hand wing as you enter. My eyes were immediately drawn to the mural on the far wall, with trees, sky, and a clock centered in a golden sun. There are collections of picture books and readers, plus junior fiction and non-fiction. Instead of a separate section for graphic novels, they are identified by a green sticker on the spine and shelved along with junior fiction. The preschool area has a rug with letters and numbers, various hand puppets and other toys, and a sign, "We hope you enjoy playing with the toys. Please put them away before you leave. Thanks! Library Staff." I like the fact that the sign is "signed"--this is not a faceless "someone" who wants you to put the toys away, it is "Library Staff."

To the left of the door is the adult section. The area inside the large windows shown in the second picture is a "living room" area for browsing, with comfortable chairs, a study table, periodicals, and newspapers, which are not mounted on "newspaper poles" but are laid over them in the rack.

The non-fiction section has shelves labeled by topic and Dewey number. A two-step wooden stool with a tall handle allows stable access to the upper shelves. [A similar stool allows small kids access to the drinking fountain.]

Periodicals have very special shelving, made by a friend of the library. At first glance, this appears to be simply wooden sloping shelves with space behind each shelf for back issues, a standard arrangement. A closer look shows that each title has its own "cubby" with a hinged lid. It's very neat and unusual. This shelving was donated in memory of Emma Busch-Lombard.

There are movies and recorded books, of course. DVDs may be borrowed, up to ten per household for seven days. That should suffice for most cold, snowy spells!

A glass-fronted case (Lois and George Rand, 1991) holds information and books related to genealogy, and a sign suggesting the website ancestry.com.

As for the bakery? I recommend their gingersnaps; dipping them in hot chocolate instantly returns them to right-from-the-oven texture. I just polished them off, to fuel me as I wrote this entry.

For more about this library, go to http://spooner.wislib.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spooner-Memorial-Library/288615791232001.

1/14/2015,  car

 

To see the fountain and read about it, go to the library website.

 



300. Duluth, Minnesota, Mt. Royal Branch

This library held a surprise that reminded me of Albany, MN. Although Mt. Royal branch is in a shopping center and Albany shares other civic space, the commonality is that you arrive at a very ordinary doorway, walk straight ahead, and glass doors welcome you into a surprising small library. A window wall, not obvious from the outside, fills the space with light, even on a rather gray day. The ceiling, with exposed mechanicals, is painted white, and the walls are brightly colored, creating a very inviting space.

I liked seeing the bright yellow cart with its signs "Please leave materials to be shelved on this cart. Thank you." and "Please return magazines here."

Paperback fiction is shelved on spinners, making it easier to shelve but perhaps harder to find a specific title. This separation also keeps the regular shelves neater, without paperbacks sliding back or falling forward. (Voice of experience.)

The shelves are quite full, but it seems that an effort is being made to avoid using the very lowest shelf; as a tall person, I appreciate that. I had to ask about children's non-fiction, and a librarian (Julie, I believe) showed me where they have their own shelves next to the adult collection. While looking for these books, I had spotted parenting books that surprised me by having "j" on the spine; for example, Diaper-free Baby, j 649.6. I haven't seen that kind of labeling anywhere else. I assume that, for consistency, it must be the same at Duluth Central and at the Duluth West branch, but I didn't notice it in those places. Perhaps, if she reads this, Julie can explain this in a comment on this post? Please?

A large corner by the windows holds the picture books along with a train table and a play kitchen. Posters remind parents to Share Stories, Share Sounds, Share Playtime, and Share Books.

There is a modest teen area with seating like a large corner booth in a diner.

I have a warm spot for small branch libraries that surprise me in good ways--like this one!

For more about this library, go to http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/hours-locations/ or https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftheduluthpubliclibrary.

1/14/2015   car

The unassuming exterior, between pizza and haircuts

A glimpse of the bright interior,

with a dollhouse displayed on the right.

301. Duluth, Minnesota, West Duluth Branch

My last stop for the day in Minnesota was in West Duluth, where the library shares a cluster of buildings with the police department, fire department, and a senior center. I see this a lot in small towns, a practical use of shared space and resources. (I don't doubt there are "issues," too, but as one passing through, I am free to pretend there are not.)

The entrance hall serves both the library and the senior center. The seniors had a display of cleverly-made driftwood "trees," and I was tempted--but I kept to my goal of visiting the library. The dollhouse here (yes, each Duluth library has one) is also in the display case. Here, the dollhouse "viewing experience" is enhanced by a list of "I Spy" items and three questions to think about: Who lives here? Who visits sometimes? How many pets does the family have? These are great questions because the answers are not obvious; for example, is that lion in an upstairs bedroom a pet or a toy? Very nice.

Once in the library, I turned left into the adult area. Here I found the expected computers and many recorded books, including Playaway sets. The on-site collection is necessarily small, but the many requests waiting to be picked up indicate that patrons here make good use of the broader resources of Duluth and beyond.

There is a mural based on the history of the Village of West Duluth and the City of Duluth. A wall of windows is lined with study tables and a "living room" browsing area.

Young Adults (Teens) have two large beanbag chairs, shelves of books, spinners of graphic novels, and boxes of comics.

The children's area has a train table, a play store, kitchen, and phone booth, and a small wooden structure with a slide. All pretty typical, but not typical is a long padded bench with arched openings cut in the base, forming "garages" for an assortment of vehicles. A large display wall holds new and "old favorite" picture books on plastic shelves. And a bulletin board has drawings by youngsters and, my favorite, a Zits cartoon about the joy of discovering old, out-grown picture books and enjoying them anew.

Good things often come in small packages, and this library is definitely a "good thing."

For more about this library, go to http://www.duluth.lib.mn.us/ or https://www.facebook.com/friendsoftheduluthpubliclibrary

1/14/2015, car

The cold,  snowy day allowed a clear view of the leaping fish bike rack.

299. Duluth, Minnesota, Central Library

If you have been to Duluth, and especially if you have ever traveled south on Superior St., you have probably seen this library, which somewhat resembles a Great Lakes ship--see the first picture below. I tried to visit here a few months ago, and this time I knew the tricks: get there early, and take quarters for a parking meter--unless you are more clever than I am, and know how to find other parking!

The entrance to the library is about midway down the building from the "bow," with the children's area to the right, behind the circulation desk, and the adult fiction area to the left. I started upstairs, and found an amazing assortment of non-fiction collections.

At first look, the upper level is almost overwhelming, it is so long. Signs hanging from the ceiling help a lot; from where I stood at the top of the stairs, I could see Catalog, Reference and Information Service, Recent Non-Fiction, and Magazines. Other areas became obvious as I walked around.

Immediately at the top of the stairs is the North Shore Room with Books, Family Histories, Cemetery Indexes and Maps. This room is reserved for genealogical research. Nearby is the largest collection of microfilm I have seen so far in any library. There are six readers, some with coin-operated printers, and many, many drawers of microfilm. Some I noted are Reader's Digest (1950 to 1973), Rolling Stone (1983 to 1995), Newsweek (1950 to 2001), and Engineering and Mining Journal (1951 to 1963). There are many more; one could spend a lot of time browsing for interesting items here!

Below a long, narrow band of windows that look out on the water are many flat drawers of maps, some of which can be checked out. There are even racks of 35mm slides, a first in my travels. Other goodies include Federal Census from 1852 (or 1857, my notes are unclear), and the State (Territory) Census from 1865. To top it off, there is a seed library. And this is just one corner of the whole upper floor!

Non-fiction DVDs are on this level. On the day I was there, extensive shelves of periodicals were topped with boxes asking patrons to put periodicals here for an in-house magazine use survey. [Tip to patrons: If you want a subscription continued, put some copies of the periodical in here!]

At the far end of the building, the rounded end, the shelves of the non-fiction collection are fanned out to conform to the space and a variety of seating is provided along the curved window wall. Continuing along the long side of the building, there are ten carrels designated a "quiet study area" with no cell phone use allowed. The reference section includes article and pamphlet files, and file drawers labeled "Administration Records Duluth International Airport" and "Air National Guard." I also spotted bound copies of Sears, Roebuck catalogs from 1897, 1902, 1906, and 1927, plus a Montgomery Ward catalog from 1922. More temptation to sit and browse, or to come back another day.

Other sections are dedicated to books about collectibles of all types, Christmas books, and government publications.

I enjoyed talking to the librarian on duty in the reference area, and I was impressed with her very correct priority of helping a patron get his laptop set up. The young man is apparently new to library services, and was amazed to learn about Inter-Library Loan.

Finally, thinking about the quarters I had put in the meter and how much time I might have left, I went back downstairs and to the fiction area, which is in the rounded end of the library, under the non-fiction. Here a long, narrow room, partially glassed-in, has 16 public computers, with several more along the wall outside. The rounded area on this level provides a near-circle of seating, with a coffee table in the center where a jigsaw puzzle was in progress. CDs, recorded books, fiction DVDs, and adult fiction are shelved here. There are offices and meeting rooms, and chairs are provided throughout for the comfort of browsers.

At the opposite end of the building is the children's area. There are eight computers, a reference section complete with a globe, games, book club bags, a good-sized collection of books for parents and teachers, and (of course) plenty of books for kids. A play area has comfortable seating for parents at both ends, with tables for wooden trains, Duplos, and other toys in the center. There is a very nice dollhouse in a display case. The library has a LEGO club but does not have a good place to display the kids' creations. Their clever solution is to display pictures on an "electronic picture frame" at the librarian's desk.

A teen area looks out on the sidewalk through window paintings done by the teens.

And I still had 13 minutes on the meter!

For more about this library, go to www.duluthlibrary.org or
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duluth-Public-Library/113395408690535
ry.

1/14/15  car

 

298. Franklin, NH Public Library

Two connections here. I was aware of one in advance, and it was part of the reason for my visit: my mother and father lived in Franklin for a time, and sometimes visited this library. One that surprised me: the library Director, a very nice man who took for himself the "day after Christmas" work assignment, used to work at the Nashua Public Library, where my mother worked during the 60s, 70s, and 80s. [And where I was a page in the 50s, with my sister following in my footsteps.]

The library was funded by Carnegie in November 1903. The picture below shows many of its classical features.There is a room on each side with a rounded window wall and a fireplace. The only addition to the original building is a back door and an elevator, added about 20 years ago for accessibility. Space upstairs is used by the New Hampshire unemployment services, according to a sign,. From the front door, it is accessed by a curving staircase, definitely original. Floors and interior columns are of marble and lend an air of gravitas to the space.

The room to the right of the main door houses the children's collection. Three bookshelves arranged in a "Y" create three somewhat separate spaces; in one of these spaces, an adult was playing "Go Fish" with a young child. Seasonal books and some new acquisitions were colorfully displayed.

The room to the left of the door a mirror-image of the children's area holds four public computers, periodicals, a fireplace, and seating for browsers, Three of the computers were in use at noon on the day after Christmas--clearly they are meeting a need.

The librarian's desk at one time would have been a barrier between patrons and the stacks; now, of course, one is free to walk back into the stacks. A room to the left appears to be the Director's office. The stacks house a modest collection of fiction and non-fiction. A clever touch, I think, is the use of shallow bookshelves mounted on the rear wall, between the windows. One set of shelves holds paperback non-fiction, and the others hold paperback classic fiction. I spotted a small collection of DVDs, but did not notice other media. If I missed something, I hope someone will leave a comment and correct me.

This is one of very few libraries in NH where I have not seen a grandfather clock. Did I miss it?

My plan was to go from Franklin to Boscawen, but my sister and I failed to spot the library so we drove on to Penacook, ditto. I'll be back in NH next summer and will visit those two, and others.

For more about the Franklin library, visit http://franklinnh.org/Pages/FranklinNH_Library/index or https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNHLibrary

12/26/2014, car, with Jean

Franklin's handsome Carnegie library

40a. St. Paul Sunray Branch--revisit after remodeling

Another wonderful upgrade by St. Paul Public Libraries! The first three things that caught my eye were: 1) a large "Welcome to Your New Library" sign; 2) a drinking fountain that includes a "hydration station," providing an easy way to refill water bottles; and 3) pressure-sensitive squares in the floor that change color when you step on them. I have seen these only one other place, the Prairie West Branch in Sioux Falls, SD.

The south wall holds, in order from the entrance, the 3M Community Room (this branch is nearly across the street from 3M HQ), a computer lab, the teen area, and a quiet room. The community room holds a variety of tables, all with electrical access for laptops. (In fact, I think just about every piece of furniture here provides electrical access!) The computer lab is...just that. The teen area is marked by an S-curved counter with mod stools; in addition to an electrical outlet, each space along this counter has two USB ports. The Quiet Room has periodicals, a "living room" area for reading, and a couple of study tables. Both the teen and quiet rooms have full window walls.

I don't know why re-bound books appeal to me so much, but I was pleased to spot one in the Fiction section: Most of P.G. Wodehouse, published in 1960. I probably like rebound books because they are a form or recycling.

One area houses a goodly collection of travel books, and a globe, adjacent to a long shelf of language learning materials.

The children's area fills much of the north side of the library. It is set off, but not isolated, from the rest of the library by a highly textured, translucent glass panel. On the side of the panel facing into the kids area is a large (perhaps 3' x 8' ?) whiteboard panel, with colored markers. Beneath the panel are a series of cupboards with doors; these appear to be empty, so far.

An area that includes J series books could have been a darkish corner, but a very high ceiling in that area allows for clerestory windows collecting light from the south and reflecting it from the white north wall, making the area very light but without glare.

Seating is varied. My favorites are three large ... mmm ... cushions? that are shaped and colored like rocks. Very cool. And a couple of easy chairs upholstered in a fabric with a pattern of sheep! Hmm, the "rocks" seemed to be made of felt. Felt, wool, sheep...perhaps a theme? The program area is fairly small but totally charming. The north side has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on a reading garden. Well, I assume that's what it will be in warmer weather! The inside of the area is rounded and has a "tree" theme. Fortunately, I was able to take a picture, see below. The tree theme continues outside where a near twin of a feature at Highland Park library is located.

I did miss some of the interactive elements from the Children's Museum installation that were in the children's area the last time I visited. The building has been open less than two weeks; perhaps these elements will return?

For more about this library, go to http://www.sppl.org/about/locations/sun-ray .

11/20/2014, car

A look at the reading garden from the northeast corner.
The children's area is near the "trees and birdhouses."

A closer look at the "trees and birdhouses"

The new entrance

A peek into the program room, behind the curved wall

71b. St. Paul Highland Park Branch, remodeled

This was my third visit to the Highland Park branch. The first, in June 2012, was in pursuit of visiting every MELSA library. Three months later I went back to try and figure our why this library had so many hits on the blog, far above any other post. Alas, there was no explanation.

Today's visit was to a totally remodeled facility that recently reopened. After 11 months closed and almost $8 million spent--wow! What a difference!

The library still shares a building with a community center, and perhaps the only drawback I see is the lack of a readily-apparent entrance to the library itself. Instead, all of the outside signage refers to the community center; perhaps there is new signage coming? I hope so. (A picture at the link below suggests that there will be a vertical LIBRARY sign.)

There is now library space on the first floor, opening from the common lobby area. This space holds requests (very nice for just popping in to pick up something that is waiting for you) and media (except recorded  books). Library catalog computers and a service desk are here, and the circulation workroom is behind a large glass window. Partially clear and partially frosted, this window allows a glimpse of the automated materials handling equipment in action.

A large area to the left of this entrance is especially for teens, with a meeting room, study rooms, low bookcases on heavy casters (low: good sight lines for staff; casters, plenty of flexibility) and a variety of chairs, including two that are shaped somewhat like human beings (see picture below).

The rest of the library is reached by stairs or elevator from the lobby. My first impression, compared to earlier visits, was "Can this possibly be the same space?" It seemed to go on forever, in several directions. To the left is a large windowed space (behind the Community Center sign in the first picture below). Today the space was partially used as a browsing area, and partially as a potential meeting room, with a collection of tables and a sink and counter for refreshments at meetings. The spacious feeling is enhanced by an opening down to the teen area below.

There are large sections of shelving for adult fiction and non-fiction. The side of the space farthest from Ford Parkway has a "living room" area close to periodicals and non-fiction, with a rounded window that looks out on a reading garden. A couple of benches did not tempt readers on this cold day, but will be delightful in other seasons.

The children's area overlooks the Parkway. A welcome sign in four languages says that "We Practice the Wakanheza Project: Supporting, Protecting, Respecting, and Cherishing Children, Young People, and Families."

There are some study tables adjacent to the children's area. Within the area itself are computers on counters of two heights, at least six portable "writing tablets" (I think they use magnetism in some way with a stylus) that youngsters can use to draw or practice letters. Some very striking stylized tubular green "tree trunks" hold "bird houses." [Note: The remodeled Sunray library also has this feature, but theirs is outside. See entry 40a for a picture.] Varied seating for adults and children includes a large curved bench with a padded seat and back, and one section of the wall has three interactive "cause and effect" installations. I wanted to get some pictures, but I'm happy to report that several adults and children were using the area, and I could not figure out a way to get pictures without people.

Welcome back after almost a year away, Highland Park. You look terrific!

For more about this library, go to http://www.sppl.org/about/locations/highland-park or https://www.facebook.com/events/307004039484534/.

11/18/2014, car

View from the parking lot

The new entrance is no longer "hidden."

The Teen area is behind the windows to the left.

AMH book drop; there are two outside, an excellent idea as I was told that

Highland has the highest circulation of any St. Paul branch library.

I didn't try the "human" chairs, but I was told they are quite comfortable.

297.Mille Lacs Lake Community Library, Isle MN -- East Central Region (ECRL)

With this visit, I have been to all of the branches of Minnesota's East Central Regional Library!

As I walked up the ramp to enter the building I noticed a poster that showed a river winding between hills and said "Searching for Books." Once inside, I realized that there were many such posters displayed, all different. The librarian told me that they are created by third grade school children each spring during Library Month.

This library features many quilts, some made by a local person of considerable talent, some made by a quilting club (also showing talent), and seven or eight with squares made by schoolchildren, showing their self-portraits, assembled and quilted by adults. This is a library that clearly values community connections.

Posters in the children's area remind parents to share Books, Songs, Words, Rhymes, Sounds, Playtime, and Stories with their children. There was a large selection (for the size of the library) of book-and-audio sets for kids.

A separate area in the back holds fiction, large print books, several public computers, and a wide selection of periodicals. Two bookshelves and a couple of funky stools form a small teen corner.

I enjoyed conversation with Kathy, the librarian, before heading back to St. Paul after a fine day of driving and "collecting."

For more about this library, go to http://ecrl.lib.mn.us/millelacslake.html.

11/6/2014, car

296. McGregor, MN -- East Central Region, ECRL

This library was very quiet when I visited, but as the local school is located just beyond the parking lot, I expect that the ambience changed an hour or two after I left!

A display cabinet in the entryway contained sewing items, including a McCall's pattern book from 1959. That date explained why everything in the display seemed familiar to me!

On entering the library proper, I noticed a series of "dog paw prints" on the floor, leading me to the children's area. Cute! The collection is not large, but the space is wonderful. There are three antique school desks along one side, but the large rocking chair is the main feature. The chair was created and donated in honor of Fae Porisch, author of a Christmas story that is written out on a large poster above the chair.

An area for teens includes a large circular rack of young adult novels.

I was interested to see that most reference materials may be checked out for three days; this is a rather unusual policy in my experience, but I can see its practicality for a small community. A high shelf holds school yearbooks back to the 20s.

The non-fiction shelves are set at a slight angle to the wall, rather than the standard 90 degrees. That, and the pictures on the wall at the end of each pair of shelves, add a nice visual interest. A large window and some live plants in the back create a pleasant browsing area near the fiction and media collections.

I can't resist mentioning the store I saw as I drove away, with the charming name "Barknarckles Store: Thrift and General."

For more about this library, go to http://ecrl.lib.mn.us/mcgregor.html.

11/6/2014

295. Aitkin, MN -- East Central Region, ECRL

A day without school or work, with a sunny sky--time for a trip to visit a few libraries! I planned a reasonable trip around Mille Lacs Lake that would allow me to complete my visits to the branches of the East Central Regional Libraries.

My first stop brought me a pleasant surprise: the Aitkin library, with a newly-opened addition that just about doubled its size. Three posters with pictures of the new construction and the moving-in process were displayed in the central reading area. One poster said, "Thank you to the many organizations, businesses, individuals and volunteers that helped this community dream come true." That statement says a lot about the importance of a library to a community.

I was a bit surprised that this "living room" reading area included a sink and a set of kitchen cabinets, until I learned from staff that this area used to be the meeting room. The new meeting room, much larger, is at the other end of the building, and was busy with Friends of the Library starting to set up tables for this weekend's book sale.

I've come to expect grandfather clocks in New England libraries and quilts here in the Midwest. Aitkin surprised me: a grandfather clock, but not a quilt in sight.

The wooden shelves are handsome, and two study tables in a windowed alcove near the non-fiction collection look ready for students.

The children's area is set off by a series of bright circles in the otherwise neutral carpeting, and it features a circular alcove with window seats ready for their cushions (which are not there yet). A family restroom is located conveniently nearby.

Aitkin's original library was a 1911 Carnegie. The building is now an Art Center. Regrettably, I did not spot the building while I was in town, but you may be able to see it at the second link below. An entryway holds a display cabinet of memorabilia from the Carnegie library, including photographs, hand-written record books, and documents. As in other places, books were moved to the new building in a "bucket brigade" effort that I'm sure is remembered by many members of the community.

Congratulations to Aitkin on the 20th anniversary of the "new" and now expanded building, which was dedicated on November 12, 1994.

For more about this library, go to http://ecrl.lib.mn.us/aitkin.html or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aitkin-Public-Library/115509855138929.

11/6/2014

Yes, there was a bit of snow!

This is the display of Carnegie memorabilia.

The former meeting room is now a cheerful browsing/reading area.

My first library job included putting newspapers onto sticks.
This is a particularly large and handsome display rack for the rods.

McAllen, TX Main Library: on the "to visit someday" list

I had heard about this Walmart-to-library conversion, but today my nephew sent me this link to an amazing set of pictures. If I ever get down to Texas, this will be on the Must Visit list!

http://themindunleashed.org/2014/11/one-town-abandoned-walmart-building-will-leave-impressed.html

New Library Planned for Calgary--Pictures Added!

OK, I haven't visited this one--it isn't built yet! But I will have to make another trip west through Canada when it opens! Have a look. [I finally read most of the attached article. No rush on the trip...this library won't open until 2018!]

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“Since embarking on this project, one of the things we’ve kept reminding ourselves is that we don’t just want to build the best library in the world. We want to build the library that’s best for Calgary,” explains Craig Dykers of Snøhetta.
GALLERY: A look at Calgary’s New Central Library

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the final architectural design for the New Central Library on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014.
(CMLC)

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the final architectural design for the New Central Library on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014.
(CMLC)

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the final architectural design for the New Central Library on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014.
(CMLC)

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the final architectural design for the New Central Library on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014.
(CMLC)

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the final architectural design for the New Central Library on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014.
(CMLC)

The Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the final architectural design for the New Central Library on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014.
(CMLC)

Officials say the final design reflects suggestions gathered from two years of public engagement and open houses.In addition, the entire concept for the building was shaped by the LRT tracks that bisect the library site in a north to south arc.
“The exterior and street life surrounding the library is just as much a part of the building as the interior,” says Rob Adamson of DIALOG. “The outdoor plaza welcomes visitors from East Village and beyond and invites them into the building to explore, relax, reflect and connect.”
Construction of the New Central Library is already underway.

294.. Andersen Horticultural Library, Chaska, MN

This is a very specialized library, located in the Snyder Building at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I visited this library once, perhaps a couple of decades ago (gasp) and what I remember most clearly were the wonderful tables. They are still here, along with other furniture by George Nakashima.

The library provides pleasant spaces for reading and research, but materials do not circulate. Whether you are a gardener or a reader (or both), this is the place for books about horticulture, plant sciences, and natural history.

Climate controlled archives store rare and special texts, catalogs, and botanical artwork. Catalogs, you ask? How about a collection of almost 57,000 seed and nursery catalogs! They represent over 6,700 firms and date back to the 1820s.

In the lobby of the Snyder building I saw a display of books about the flowers of various countries, including Cuba, Ireland, the Galapagos, Russia, and Australia. Also one on Alpenblumen.

I find it wonderful that this special library also houses a collection of relevant children's books and has a story hour each Thursday at 10:30. That story hour and a visit to the nearby Arboretum Learning Center with its "green" playground and interactive exhibits would make a memorable day.

Not far from the library is the Arboretum gift shop, much, much larger than the last time I was there, with a whole bookstore-worth of books on horticultural and environmental topics.

For more information, go to www.arboretum.umn.edu/library.aspx.

9/27/2014, car

 

One of several beautiful tables
custom-designed for the library by George Nakashima

Part of the main collection

I like the juxtaposition of the wood, card catalog,
facsimile of an old botanical book (on the rack at the far end of the counter)
--and a computer.

93a. Hennepin County, Excelsior, MN -- visit to new building

The new building for this library blends nicely with the architecture of this lakeshore town. It's located on a popular bike trail, and has an outdoor reading area with colorful benches and chairs all along one side. I was here on opening day, but I waited until late afternoon in order to miss all the hoopla. It was still very busy, however, with many kids enjoying the boat and other delights.

The teen area includes audio books, teen fiction, and graphic novels. I liked the display of "Teens Top 10," a row of multiple copies of popular teen fiction. Also, there were sheets of temporary tattoos on one of the tables in this area; nice edgy black ones!

I asked where the bell is (see entry 93 from my first visit here two years ago) and learned that it belongs to the city, not the library, so it stayed behind. The collection of old model fire trucks was given to the fire department. But the life-sized carved wooden "Brary the Beaver" is still present, right inside the main door. I like the murals; the one with the roller coaster reminded me that when I was a grad student at the U of MN in the 60s, I heard about "the amusement park at Excelsior." I never went there, but it was famous.

Someone has put a lot of work into an album of photographs showing the whole building process.

I could say a lot more, but in this case I'm going to send you to an online album of pictures for a complete tour. Go to https://www.flickr.com/photos/hennepincountylibrary/sets/72157647112902318/. and enjoy! Then hop on your bike and go visit.

9/13/14, car

Did I mention that the bike path is close?
That's it, to the left in the picture!

50a. Dakota County Heritage Library, Lakeville, MN --Revisit

This is a dual purpose building; the part closest to the camera is the Drivers License office. I was intrigued to see that parking for that office is limited to 10 minutes! Where I live, 10 minutes would barely get you in the door.

Just inside the library door are some strollers with bags for books attached, a wonderful help for parents. Nearby is a shelf of "Lucky U" books. These are new best-sellers that go out for 7 days, no renewals.

The first thing I spotted in the children's area was a large wall display titled "Read an Alphabet of Animals." There are book jackets representing animal books, large printed letter cards, and ribbons connecting each jacket to the appropriate letter: Alligator, Bear, Bison, Cow... It's a very attractive display, and certainly highlights the breadth of the library's collection of kids' animal books.

The next thing I noticed was a large ... object ... shaped somewhat like a Viking ship, hanging from the ceiling. The Viking ship effect is heightened by the posters and such mounted where a Viking ship would have shields. This in itself  is very cool, but the best part, in my opinion, is the series of curvy blue fabric strips suspended below the "boat." The whole thing runs almost the length of the children's area, and gives a sense of walking underwater. I asked a librarian if this was something new; surely I couldn't have missed this, or forgotten it? Nope, it's not new. Go see it; a written description just can't do it justice.

The boating theme is also present in a structure near the window in the children's area; it has three curved steps to a sort of "prow" with three "portholes" for peeking out. This is at the edge of a nice "living room" or "play room" area with a couch, chairs, and a puppet theater.

Beyond the children's area is a large area with study tables and chairs sized for adults and children, and plenty of windows. There are many Spanish books. A Teen Corner (more windows!) has a couch and several large bean bag chairs. Nearby are four study rooms, each with a desk with an overhead shelf (just like the university library), two chairs, a window, and a glass panel door. Quiet and private...but not too private.

The adult collection and computers are in the middle. Music CDs are shelved in metal racks that are cleverly labeled with magnetic "refrigerator" letters, a nice whimsical touch

On the day I was there, an art display from All Saints Catholic School was above the CDs. It consisted of large letters C R E A T I N G, each letter decorated differently, followed by "moments of joy."

For more about this library, go to http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries/HoursLocations/Heritage/Pages/default.aspx or check it out on Facebook at http://www.heritagelibraryfriends.com/.

 

 

9/13/14, car

 

 

64a. Dakota County, Farmington Library, revisit after remodeling

I visited Farmington in the summer of 2012, during the project that started this blog: visit all the MELSA* libraries. I have two memories from that first visit: First, some bookshelves were set diagonally, in a sort of fan shape, something I hadn't seen before. Second, I took out two books, left them on the roof of my car while I took a picture, and (apparently) had them fall off the car out in the street, where someone found them and returned them to the library--after they had been run over and totally wrecked. When I got home, I discovered that I owed Dakota County Libraries about $35.00--ouch!

This time, what a difference! The library has been closed for a while for upgrades, and what wonderful job they have done. To the right inside the door are New Books, DVDs, Wii games ("The case is empty: bring to service desk") and the teen collection of graphic fiction, teen fiction and non-fiction, and a broad variety of magazines, including some Archie comics. The Teen area is in a bright windowed area set off from the rest of the library by floor-to-ceiling transparent colored panels. A study room or meeting room beside this area has the same panels, providing a consistent look that is very light and bright in a sophisticated way. Seating in the Teen area includes upholstered chairs with reading arms, like the ones I see (and use) in study areas at the U of M.

Beyond the Teen area is the very lively children's area. True to the town name, Farmington, the new design includes two round "silos" for cozy reading and an alcove with two steps up, then a bench, designed with gray slatted wood that suggests a corn crib. The alcove appears that it could function as a reading area, seating for an audience, or a stage for small productions. The ceiling is "barn red." Between these two features is a large play area with comfortable seating for adults and, of course, windows. A children's restroom is located conveniently just beyond the kids' area. [And the adult restrooms and a drinking fountain are just beyond that.]

All of that was along the wall to the right as you enter the library. Along what I will call the back wall are more windows and a large study and browsing area for adults. There are assorted chairs and tables and a kiosk for downloading e-books. I noticed on one of the tables stacks of adult education catalogs and JobDig materials. This struck me as a good place for such material, right where a browsing person would be likely to find it.

Four study rooms located on the left wall have transparent colored doors, similar to the partitions in the Teen area. The computer area is set off from the adult book collection by a shelf of reference books. Twelve computer stations along the wall provide plenty of elbow room, and give the area a serious, workplace-like look and feel. There are also eight chairs with pivoting arms for laptops.

The staff person I spoke to turned out to be a "library tourist" also, and now I want to visit the Library of Congress, if only to get a personalized "Reader's Card"!

Outside, I noticed that an automated book return is now being used. "Push green button. 1 item at a time. Spine first." I wonder how that is working out? One change brought about by the automated return is clear from the second sign: "Newspaper carriers: Don't place newspapers in book return."

For more about this library, go to http://www.co.dakota.mn.us/libraries/HoursLocations/Farmington/Pages/default.aspx .

9/13/2014, car

 

Some exterior work is not quite finished;
notice that I caught the library "in its underwear,"
the new yellow foam insulation being installed.

293. Sherman and Ruth Weiss Community Library, Hayward, Wisconsin

The grounds are handsome this time of year...see the picture below of the library sign. There are two free-standing book drops near the entrance to the library, one for books and one for media. Both appeared to be padlocked, presumably to ensure that materials come inside during open hours. Good idea.

The lobby has an elaborate carved tree "Created for the original Carnegie Library." I think the original library still exists, but I didn't spot it during my visit to downtown. (That visit was for ice cream, of course; see the book Scoop by Jeff Miller.) A quotation on the tree is "With the support of these roots the tree of knowledge grows."

The library was liberally decorated with quilts in an exhibit by the Hayward Piece Makers Quilt Guild.

The children's space is wide open and sunny, with windows on three sides. One low table held a collection of feathers and a large magnifying lens, plus some papers with questions and ideas for details to look for. Nearby, Boy Scout Troop 70 has a display that is at least partly historical; you aren't likely to see equipment like that in use today! An outdoor reading patio has an adult-size picnic table and a matching one in a smaller scale for little kids.

The summer reading program participants have put their names on rocket ships, and the rockets are displayed on one wall. Prizes for the program have been donated by local businesses. (I did not see the ice cream place listed, which disappointed me. After reading the book, I expected better of them. Perhaps they contribute in other ways.)

Books were designated in a way that is new to me, but fortunately a placard was nearby. From it I learned that Int(ermediate) Fic is for grades 4 and up, formerly J items are now E, E means Easy Fiction. All kids' non-fiction is shelved together. This left me not knowing how picture books are labeled, and I forgot to look. Perhaps someone will leave a clarifying comment?

The adult area of the library centers on a large brick fireplace with glass-fronted cabinets holding old books and interesting objects like a stereopticon viewer and a collection of cards. [When I was a kid visiting the children's room in Nashua, NH, in the pre-Viewmaster days, stereopticon viewers were desirable sources of entertainment, when Miss Manning put them out. How's that for dating myself?] A portrait of Sherman and Ruth Weiss hangs on one side of the fireplace, and one of Mr. Carnegie on the other side.

The area designated for teens has a long bow window with a view to a field, marsh, and bird feeder. I bet the adults enjoy it when school is in session!

Oversized books are stored flat in their own bookcase. There are carrels, about nine public computers, and a study room with a microfilm reader. I noticed that during the summer, computer use is limited to two 30-minute sessions per day. I assume that this is because Hayward is a resort area, and there is probably a lot of demand to "check my email."

When I asked about the Carnegie library, I was shown an interesting "Donation Statue" that was brought here from the old building.

For more information, see http://weisscommunitylibrary.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sherman-Ruth-Weiss-Community-Library/357404194272314. On the website, note particularly the detailed information about the many book clubs at the library. I was impressed by the varied interests and the lists of books, both read and upcoming.

292. Peter White Public Library, Marquette, Michigan

 A library set upon a hill. Well, the fact is, everything in Marquette is set upon a hill; it reminds me of Duluth. As you can tell from the title, the library owes its being to Peter White. If you go to the library website (link below), select About and then Library History, you will find a wealth of well-written and illustrated information about this man of "firsts." I think my favorite involves him being the first postmaster to use dog sleds to deliver mail to the UP!

Enter by the imposing front door, and the room to the right contains information, objects, and scrapbooks pertaining to Marquette's two sister cities, Higashiomi, Japan, and Kajaani, Finland. The room to the left has comfortable seating, tables, and periodicals. Both rooms have impressive fireplaces.

An area that might be called an inner lobby has many large photos on the walls, and a very impressive collection of elephant figurines in glass cases.

The main room, beyond the lobby, has large windows with a glimpse of the lake (the south shore of Lake Superior), places to use laptop computers, and the media collection, including books on tape and videos. A glassed-in area labeled Administrative Assistant Office gave a view that reminded me of back stage at a museum. The views of the lake are much more expansive from this upper level.

I'm not an expert, but I think there are very nice Craftsman touches on the stairs, carrels, and shelves.

The Teen-Only area is a sunny corner with sparkling CDs hanging from the ceiling on strings. It is for grades 6 though 12; during the summer it has "teen-only Tuesdays." A librarian and I talked a bit about policies for teen areas, and I've sent her a link to some information based on the Minneapolis Central Library's Teen Zone.

The issue of patrons trying to reshelve books is addressed here by this sign: "Please place items here that are not checked out and need to be reshelved." This is clearer than the message at my library "home," where the words "place unwanted materials here" allegedly prompted one annoyed patron to think that if she placed a book in that location, we would discard it--which is what she wanted us to do!

An upper level houses the genealogy section, Michigan materials, reference works, and non-fiction. Interesting historical items are in glass cabinets with hanging files below. There is a computer lab, at least eight public computers (not in the lab), a career and business center, and a bell collection that may eclipse the elephant collection on the first floor. There is also a large old dollhouse with a scrapbook that explains the story behind it. The MFC Business Reference Room has a number of interesting pieces of antique furniture.

I took the front stairs down past the Art Department and Technical Services, down a long sloping hall past a meeting room, and found the children's area. (Yes, there is an easier way to get there!) A bright blue carpet with fish inserts leads to the librarian's desk. A case holds many small objects and a sign headed "Can you find...?" with many items listed. There are several large stuffed animals, including a wonderful lion on top of a bookshelf; I think he is a cousin of the lion at St. Bonifacius in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Take a look and see what you think.

An unusual wall display consists of seven large fabric applique pictures based on Holling's Paddle to the Sea. These were created by staff and friends in 1976 as part of the bicentennial celebration.

A very clever touch is a planted area outside, facing a cinderblock garage (I think). The cinderblocks have been painted with a mural that makes it look as if the garage is an attractive part of the landscape. There is a large children's play area inside with toys, a ceiling of skylights, a craft area with a tile floor, and a computer specifically for parents to use while children play. I chatted quite a while with staff here, and learned that the children's area is about 10,000 square feet!

For more about this library (and its founder), go to http://www.uproc.lib.mi.us/pwpl/ and https://www.facebook.com/PeterWhitePublicLibrary

291. Munising Public Library, Munising, Michigan

The Munising Public Library is part of the high school building, but as far as I could tell, it is a separate entity, unlike Pipestone, MN, where the library is half a community library, half the high school library. I didn't have a chance to ask about this because this was not an inquisitive, chatty sort of place.

The high school connection was clear, however, in the large class photographs from various years of the William G. Mather High School. The newest of these pictures were from the 60s, and so probably from an earlier building.

To the right of the entrance is a pleasant sitting area for browsing, with chairs upholstered in book-design fabric. There are about a dozen computers, and the science theme of the summer reading program is reflected in the science objects, including a microscope and various jars with biology specimens displayed on a shelf.

The children's area has two computers, round tables with wooden chairs, a child-height, slant-topped box/desk that appeared to be intended to hold large reference books for easy reading, and a collection of floor chairs/backrests. Picture books are labeled "E," which is defined on a sign as "Elementary." "J" designates Junior fiction. Science books were displayed, supporting the summer theme.

For more information, see http://www.uproc.lib.mi.us/mspl/index.html or https://www.facebook.com/msplonline.

8/14/2014, car