541 Epsom Public Library, Epsom, NH

 Shaped like a big letter "C," the Epsom library sits back from and above a main east-west road in New Hampshire.

The approach is nicely landscaped...

...with a bench in just the right spot for waiting for a friend to join you.

After the restrictions of Covid-19, it's great to see comfy upholstered furniture making its reappearance.

You can't really tell from the pictures, but this endcap in the children's area is three-dimensional. It appears to be made of wood, but might be something synthetic. In any case, I can imagine kids spending time studying and touching all the birds.

A corner of the youngest children's area holds cushioned benches, a puppet theater, and some nice natural light.

These handsome modern quilts are a stunning addition. I also admired the quotations running along the frieze. Watch for them to make appearances in other parts of the library.

With all the rain we've been having here in New Hampshire, natural spaces like this are at their best. It's a fine experience to look up from reading and look into a natural scene.

The adult stacks are very tall and very full!

With its study table and "living room" space, I'd call this a classic look for a small-town library.

I always look for signs in libraries. this one caught my attention, not because of the issue it presents, but for its forthright explanation of the policy.

Shortly before I arrived, this versatile space had been used to present an afternoon matinee movie for kids and their adults.

Remember the end cap with the birds in the children's area? Here's another one, representing the seasons. There is at least one more, possibly two.

As a person who has built many dollhouses, I spent quite a bit of time looking at this one. It's really a nice job, with lots of details in each room.

Space on each side of the dollhouse has been nicely landscaped.

Rather than provide each work station with plexiglass barriers, only half of the available computers are in use.

Almost every library I visit, of any size, has a collection of old books pertaining to local history, genealogy, and records. The only exceptions may be where a local history society has its own facilities.

Ahh, a third three-dimensional end cap!

Another example of text on the frieze. 

"When I step into this library I never understand why I step out." 

This quotation is from Madame Marie de Sevigne, a noted letter writer from the 17th century.

A very welcoming room that has just about everything: natural light, comfortable seating, plants, and a fireplace. Those chairs look so inviting.

Another view of the outdoors.

Periodicals were not available during the year of the pandemic. Too easy to transmit the virus, of course. Next time I make a visit to a library, I must remember to ask what was done: subscriptions cancelled? issues stacked up and put out for public use all at once? something else?

 In the entry, I noticed as I was leaving these "Tween/Teen Art Bags" for older kids to enjoy. The libraries I've visited during the pandemic have all found ways to provide activities for patrons of all ages, from virtual story times for the youngest, to curbside pick-up and virtual craft programs for adults. They have all found ways to keep the connections alive.

And this display shows that their efforts have been appreciated.

7/19/2021