538 Public Library, Winslow, Maine

To Winslow, Maine, and back is a full day of driving and a full tank of gas. But I had a special reason to visit here. I've been clearing out old papers, as one does from time to time, and I came across the program from an exchange concert between Winslow and Nashua, NH; 1957, This was the spring of my junior your in high school. All of the musicians from both schools were listed. Surely some Winslow residents would recognize some of the names. So, instead of tossing it in the recycling, I decided to take it to Winslow, and in the process collect another library.

The signs of pandemic conditions were the standard "any symptoms" questions and the wearing of masks Also, entry was through the door on the left, exit the door on the right. And the doors are kept locked; I had to ring the bell to be allowed in. 

Mind your P's and Q's and pay attention to all the directives at the entrance.

Once inside, the ambiance changes totally. Look closely at the wall and notice the curved service desk. There are no square corners here...because the building was once a roller rink! If you've been around the blog for a while you may know that I'm always on the lookout for things I haven't seen before. A converted roller rink certainly qualifies.

One step to the right beyond the lobby brings us to one of the brightest, happiest carpets I've ever seen. 

The energy and colors continue in this mural.

Murals are a long-term investment. Seasonal themes are equally fun.

Two computers are available for kids, with brightly-colored stools.

As we move from picture books to juvenile fiction and non-fiction, the bright carpet continues.

But now the color palette changes to shades of gray. [Not 50.]

Most libraries make some provision for books that patrons have used in the library but do not want to check out. The general issue is to allow staff to re-shelve books correctly. In COVID-19 days, a spot at the end of each row of the stacks is designated for books that "you have touched but are not taking home." These books will be sanitized and/or quarantined before they are reshelved.

I didn't get a good picture, but I can tell you what this says: "Don't worry if you are making waves simply by being yourself. The moon does it all the time." 

A view in the adult stacks, with fiction on the left, non-fiction on the right.

I didn't see an area specifically for teens, except this one. I may have missed it.

Games  do not circulate, but there is a table nearby with space for several games or puzzles to be used at one time.

 

There are eight computers for teens and adults. Instead of the usual Plexiglass, privacy and safety are provided with sheets of foam insulation.

   

I saw only one item in the "library of things" -- this great telescope circulates for a week at a time. Notice that it has its own little red fanny pack for various attachments.

The shelves here are full of media.

I've become accustomed to libraries with furniture, especially upholstered furniture, tucked away, not to be used during the pandemic. Many libraries have only one or two chairs available for patrons at this time. This does not seem to be an issue here.

Back in the lobby there are a variety of "take and make" activities available. including a library skills scavenger hunt. I regret that I didn't spend more time looking at these.

    

This handsome wooden flamingo is an example of the art of Bernard Langlais. I learned that the library is a stop on the "Langlais Art Trail,"

And the concert program that brought me here? The staff gave it the welcome I had hoped for, immediately spotting family names that are still seen locally. I'm sure it's in good hands.

5/13/2021