499 Hazel Mackin Library, Roberts, Wisconsin

I think my gps is angry with me, or something. Yes, it gets me to my destination. But sometimes I feel as if I've been driving a spiral course. The gps seems to think like this: "Here is a little back road that cuts a tenth of a mile off the state highway route. Let's take the short way."

But nevermind that. Here we are at my last stop for the day, the Hazel Mackin Community Library in Roberts, Wisconsin. The handsome building was built in 2010. I parked on the street on the south side of the library, because that's where my gps took me. Just a little farther and I'd have found the parking lot on the north side. No matter...the glass-walled entry is the same from either side.

I couldnt' even wait to get inside, I just had to get a picture of the curved outside wall, all glass...

...and an outside-in view of the rounded indoor seating area.

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And in we go.

This large room serves may purposes. Here it is set up for an after-school program involving Legos. I was told (warned?) that in five or ten minutes the library would be "invaded," and it certainly was. The kids looked to be upper elementary. They started out sitting on the carpet, listening to the adult running the program. Then half of them headed for the tables and Lego bins while the rest came into the library proper to look for and check out books. If I recall correctly, this happens twice a week. The program room seems fairly soundproof, but adult patrons are advised that if they are looking for a quiet time for reading or study, they might want to avoid these program afternoons!

This old suitcase is larger than it looks. Like the roll-top desk in Osceola, it is used for displays. Can you imagine it, in an earlier life, packed for a long trip? A modern airline would want extra fees for it, for sure.

As it's name implies, the library honors Hazel Mackin, an early educator in Roberts. I have several flyers about the library, and I've looked on the website, but I can't find more to say about Ms. Mackin. I was told more, but the info didn't make it into my notes. The pictures below are of the lady herself and her original high school diploma. If someone reading this has a few more details, please put them in a comment and I'll gladly add them.

Here's an attractive corner with a fern and a fireplace, but what really caught my eye was the Hoosier cabinet that holds the coffee service. This is the first time I've seen a Hoosier cabinet in a library. [Will I ever run out of "firsts?"  I hope not and I doubt it: librarians are an endlessly creative bunch.]

This is part of the history room. It's my impression that in any community that does not have a history center, the library steps in to fill that role.

Another first: racks with Plexiglass covers to hold newspapers in place and keep them tidy. I've lifted the cover up just a bit to try and show what I mean.

Somewhere along this wall we enter the Teen area. Wherever it is, it is getting new furniture soon.

     

These tables and chairs were custom made for the children's area by a local craftsman. The splayed slats on the chair backs make them special.

Another view of the children's area, with small scattered windows and a long padded bench.

I like the signage on the walls. I thought it was done by someone with a very steady hand, but I learned that the letters are vinyl cutouts. Of course...that means that they can be relocated when the library reorganizes the collection, which every library does from time to time.

Eight computers are available for patron use.

Here is a close-up of the end of one stack, a very handsome way to acknowledge a significant gift to the library.

Before I leave, one more picture of the children's area, I believe, with a wooden tic-tac-toe game ready for players.

Did you know that there are more libraries than McDonalds in the USA? And every one of them holds surprises.

10/24/2018