550 Pope Memorial Library, North Conway, New Hampshire

I was up in North Conway the other day for a chance to learn about the fine art of getting dogs to wrangle sheep. [This was an adult education course sponsored by an organization called OLLI.]

Since I was driving that far, I figured that I would visit at least one library. I had not been to North Conway in many years, and my memory of a small town with an old movie theater and a few stores was hugely out of date! I spotted the library at about the same time I spotted an easy, on-street parking space, so I found myself approaching from the back. 

A path around the side of the library delivered me to where I "ought" to have started.

I simply walked along a path beside the library and found this attractive entrance, along with a generous parking lot.

I'm sorry that I didn't get a better picture of this statue of The War Dog.This was dedicated in 2020, and the words on the pedestal are "Dedicated to the memory of the war dog. Erected by Lyman Pope Jr. to honor all dogs who served as man’s best friend during World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and to the memory of all German shepherds, most notable among them Maximillian, 2019.” Mr. Pope is a major donor to the library, which is named in his honor. It has just reopened after major renovations and expansion.  

I checked in with staff and got permission for interior pictures. Then the first space I came to brought  back memories of the glass-floored stacks in the old Nashua, NH, library, where I was the page when I was in high school. (That's where you'd find me, from three to five pm, every day afer school.) I don't think I've seen this kind for fire-proof flooring in any other library. I first saw floors like this as a pre-schooler; my dad would take me to the library and into the stacks for whatever he wanted to borrow. As a little kid, I found the idea of walking on glass quite marveous and a bit scary.

This sunny nook is clearly for teens.

More teen territory and the elevator.

One nice outcome of increasing a library's size is making room for new book acquisitions.

Historical books line a narrow hallway. Libraries generally keep books of town history and such, even as they acquire the newest books and technology.

Across from the historic books we find a meeting room with none of the boring stodginess sometimes found in such rooms. I'd be happy to go to a meeting in this bright space!

Here and there historical artifacts are featured, like this classical cabinet and bookshelves.

This was probably the sign on the library when I first visited North Conway.

There are several of these curved shelves. I think they do a lot to make the library look friendly and new. I seldom see shelves like this, but I think the new Calgary library has them.

A week ago I had visited the Hudson, NH, library and noticed that for the first time since the pandemic toys were making a reappearance in children's library areas. And here at the very next visit I find the trend continuing. That's a grreat railroad!

Here's another "only one I've seen." That table with the red rim is actually a chalkboard, with a pair of cups for chalk. Nice low-tech fun.

What a great space for preschoolers! I like the "pond" rug, which I've seen in a lot of libraries. Lots of windows make this space very inviting.

The chair is ready and waiting for story hour, I'll bet.

Here's a detail that I almost missed: a unique book return slot in the service desk. It would be an honor to return a book here!

Before we leave, you should know that this is not a public library. The library is a privately funded, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizationy serving the entire Mt. Washington Valley with free library cards for residents of at least 16 communities. Visitors are also welcome to use the library. I strongly suggest that you visit the library's website at https://www.popelibrarynh.org/.

 9/15/2021