118a, Buffalo Branch, Great River Regional Library, Library Buffalo, MN

It's been about eight years since I first visited the Buffalo Public Library, part of the Great River Regional library system. The low number (118) indicates that this was one of my early visits after I completed the 106 libraries of the 7-county MELSA system, back in 2018. And the "a" indicates that I've been here once before. That first visit was in the Fall of 2012. At that time, some renovations were just wrapping up. I was fortunate to meet a librarian who was there at the time (and who thinks she remembers my visit!. She pointed out one thing new that I would surely have missed: a reading garden on the side of the library facing the lake. It is a work in progress, with new features added when possible.

Why would I take a picture of a book drop? I've seen lots of book drops, and this one is not unusual...except for the note taped on it./that note asks you to please, if it is raining, snowing, or very windy, please leave your books in the next book drop that is sheltered by the doorway.

See that sheltered book drop on the left? Yes, you have to get out of your car, but the materials you're returning will be ever so grateful!

I made sure to take this picture right away, as soon as I had permission for interior pictures. On my first visit, the stained-glass window you see here wasn't at its best because the day was very gray. So I had a mental reminder all thse years to "get back to Buffalo and get that picture!"

Here is the counterpart to the special window,  looking out at the reading garden and the lake. If you're in the area, searching for antiques perhaps, stop by the library and take a look.

Periodicals and newspapers are conveniently located. The favored browsing spot is a small-ish glass-walled room with an assortment of comfortable seating. Why no picture? This room was occupied by three or four patrons. A promise to take no pictures with people earns me permission to take interior pictures at all. And of course, it means that the library is being used.

I wanted to show the clever way the wall was zig-zagged, ceating study spaces that allowed peeks at the outdoors. I couldn't make the angles work well, but perhaps these two pictures will give you a clue.

       

Children's fiction is shelved on these very high shelves, Whicc surprised me. I should have asked about how kids manage to browse. Perhaps they only use electronics? I hope not!

There are more opportunities to rest your eyes and enjoy a bit of nature.

The media collections lead the way to a comfortable reading area...and another chance to enjoy the view.

Computers for patron use are centrally located near the service dask.

The pre-school and toddler area reminds me of the "Good Night Moon" exhibit that was displayed last spring (2019) at the University of Minnesota. I'm not sure why...probably the rocker.

I remember the puppet theater from my fist visit, becaue of its unusual design. A curved wall of perforated metal creates a "backstage" area, letting n light and minimizing any sense of claustrophobia.

From the outside, the audience sees the bright curtains, ready for the next show.

Elephant and Piggy have been visiting lots of libraries this year, it seems. Here they are hanging out on the early reader shelves, working as bookends.

It seems that every library I visit, and that's over 500 now, has something I haven't seen before. Here, in addition to the unusual puppet theater, there is a set of felt  "paperdolls" with their generous suitcase of clothes, ready for tots to dress them.

And I wasn't kidding when I mentioned antiques...the town of Buffalo is full of them. One of the largest is what drew me to Buffalo for this visit; the library wa a happy bonus.

10/14/2019