How, you might wonder, do I decide which libraries to visit? Well, in this case I heard or read somewhere that the Chesterfield, NH, library was making a splash on something called "Tik Tok." I'd heard of this TikTok thing. Hey, I don't hang out under a rock. But I'd never partaken. So this morning I dipped in, just a bit, found videos by the Chesterfield staff, and think I will probably be back. In the meantime, I had a beautiful drive to the far southwest corner of NH. The library sign let me know I was definitely in the right place.
The first thing I noticed here is that the building is made of very handsome, rather unusual stone. I don't recall seeing any other stone library in my travels, certainly not in NH.
And the library is not alone; other buildings in the center of town are constructed of the same stone.
OK, in we go. After chatting at the desk about this blog and about Tik Tok, the first sign I spotted advertised STEAM kits that can be checked out. The sign suggests that you "check out all four;" I'm going to assume that you would do that one at a time--don't be greedy!
One sure sign of the teen area in a library is the high table with matching stools. I like the computer setup that looks very grown up, like it means business.
Junior Fiction is for the school-aged crowd.
This large alcove invites a group to gather.
I was slightly puzzled by the blue tape on the carpet. Then I saw the sign and discovered that this is part of the current scavenger hunt: Find out how many steps you walk in 30 feet. This reminds me of Ridgedale Library in Minneapolis, where a long staircase is labeled from 1 to 30 going up and 30 to 1 going down. Great counting practice for kids. [I think Ridgedale has been renovated since I was last there, so I have no idea whether the steps are still numbered.]
Moving along toward the adult collection, we're urged to read local history. Good idea!
I call this the rocking chair space, and I'm quite smitten by the brown chair on the right.
After a bit of Googling I determined that this is a Vermont Folk Rocker. I sat in it: it's very comfortable. I checked the price: it's not in the budget. This is a chair that just begs to be copied by other woodworkers, I think. I'd expect to find a lot of (not cheap) rip-offs. This company has enough confidence that it displays a dozen or so similar chairs from other companies and individuals, with comments about the variations in design and no badmouthing.
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My notes say that the current building is 25 years old. Here's a model
The library provides drop-in tech support on Wednesday afternoons. On alternate Tuesdays you'll find this corner occupied by the Knit Chicks.
A good idea to put the G-rated movies together.
These totes near the media collection hold bagged sets of books and audio.
There are, of course, several workstations for computer use.
This seems to be a games corner. I don't recall any indication that it is for a specific age, which is nice.
This is Chester, the library mascot. THe whole community was involved in selecting his name. He participates in scavenger hunts, is happy to cuddle, and this month (May) he is drawing attention to books about mental health. Chester wants you to be sure not to confuse him with Dewey, a cat that once lived in Spencer, Iowa. All they have in common is their color and their charm.
I put in my notes that these are "Totes to Go," but I didn't make a note of what is in them. Fortunately, the Library Director saw the post and filled me in. The totes-to-go kits are themed collections of books, games, and activities for young children and families to enjoy together.
Big windows, natural light...my favorites!
These constructions look like fun. I had a similar set many, many years ago. It was called Rig-a-Jig and was advertised in the back pages of Children's Activities. If that made any sense to you, look out: you might be getting old!
The butterfly pictures were made by school children. They will soon be replaced by art that will be posted during the summer. The local school is one of the lucky ones in that kids can visit the library on walking field trips, the schools are that close.
Now I'm heading out.
The entry is lined with two-sided glass showcases. I took an architecture class once at the U of Minnesota. The only thing I remember is the importance of "entrance." I think that this, with the objects displayed and the glimpse into the rooms beyond, has a very special sense of entrance.
Once outside, I discovered a a children's garden, a work in progress. Plantings including ground cover are planned and a fence will be installed. What really caught my eye was this colorful vertical "xylophone." I believe there is a mallet right there. When this area is completed it will be a wonderful and unique addition to the library.
These metal flowers also create sounds.
What a great visit! Now I must find a way to keep up with the Tik Tok videos!
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