597 Stephenson Memorial Library, Greenfield, New Hampshire

 

Wrapping up an afternoon of library visits, I've reached Greenfield.

It appears that the front door, which leads to the older part of the library, is no longer used. The sign to the left of the door points out quite sternly that deliveries are to be made to the side door. A similar sign at the side door, along with a very large plastic bin where packages can be left, emphasizes the directive.

A ramp leads past a corner of the newer library, with a cornerstone dated 2003.

I went back down the ramp to get a long view of the new library. The old and new parts have been very well blended.

I meant to ask about "Ella's Childhood Favorites." I saw another collection of "Ella's" books. Since I didn't ask, we'll have to rely on someone leaving a clarifying note, (it happens once in a while) or we will just have to use our imaginations. Who is Ella?

The AUTHOR chair is occupied by either an upcoming visiting author or reader--or perhaps a large, furry gorilla!

Shelves are low enough to allow a good dose of natural light.

I've seen bookends with this design a few times, but not often. They always catch my eye, for their color, their design, and their functionality.

Here's a "something new" item for my (mental) list: a wheeled cart for a moveable feast of books.

These days it would be very unusual to not have a tech center in a library.

This strikes me as a very useful sign. As I've mentioned before, just about every library in New Hampshire now has a telescope that can be borrowed. But I'll hazard a guess that many people don't know that it can be checked out "just like a book"

Here's a bright corner. The white shelves are a great contrast with the book spines.

It's not surprising that the original part of the library is more formal than the more recent part. I'm sure some of the furnishings here are antique, perhaps from the earliest days of the library.

I don't recall seeing a grandfather clock, but there's a nice mantle clock and a fireplace. This space provides quiet and a bit of formality.

I try to remember my "rule" to always look up before leaving a library. I'm glad I did so this time, or I would have missed the interior of the dome.

Here's another angle. I didn't see the dome from outside at all!

I used to have a set of small wooden tables just like these. We sometimes called them "TV trays" because they could be set up near the TV if we "needed" to watch a show at supper time. I'm sure the convenience of an occasional extra table is welcome here.

We're back near the entrance where a puzzle is underway; The wooden board with a raised lip is great for keeping pieces under control, and would even allow for moving the puzzle to another table when necessary.

I spotted a Story Walk a short distance away. They have become very popular. According to the sign this is 

"SMLS Story Walk est. 2022, Girl Scout Troop Number 52925."

 

I have some Girl Scouting in my past, and I'm always happy to see evidence of good Girl Scout programming. The sentence at the bottom was a first for me. I'm not surprised to see it, but once having seen it I wonder why I haven't seen it before. Perhaps the troop leader is a lawyer?

 

I walked to the first few stations, including the title.

Coming back up the hill from the Story Walk I got a picture from another angle. I still don't see that dome!

10/6/2022

596 George Holmes Bixby Memorial Library, Francestown, New Hampshire

Second stop on this beautiful day, Francestown. The address is on Main Street, and it's in a classic main street sort of building, complete with white picket  fence.

I've seen a number of notices about costume swaps this year. It's a very sensible form of recycling.

The older I get, the more certain I am that the world needs more benches. These are just beyond the library building, in front of a community bulletin board.

When I first glanced at this structure on the library porch, I thought "dollhouse!" On closer inspection I see that it is a "Little Free Library." I've heard people say that little free libraries are going to cut into library business and they should never be put near a "real" library. But they serve vastly different purposes, and I'm seeing more and more that are associated with libraries.

After I "checked in," the librarian pointed out that the library is actually two buildings. This picture is a view from the service desk near the door, looking toward the older building. Coffee service is on the right.

The first stop in the old building is this very nice "sitting room" for relaxing and reading.

      

The focal point of the sitting room is this classic fireplace. Older libraries had fireplaces as a source of heat. Even the newest libraries often have fireplaces, as a source of focus and comfort, though they seldom have actual fires these days.

 I was advised to use a different staircase to the upper level. This one is perfectly usable, but the treads are narrow and the risers are steep. 

I'm not sure (no notes, tsk tsk) but I think this is Mr. Bixby himself. If I'm wrong, please leave a note and correct me so I can fix it.

When I saw this box I realized that there must be a "library of things" in the library. Indeed, I did see others from time to time; they're easy to spot in their tan boxes.

This is a nice display: "Need a little seasonal pick-me-up? These novels are the library equivalent of a Hallmark Christmas Movie." That's just enough information to determine whether you want to explore (or avoid) this collection.

This plaque gives a thumbnail history of the older library building: 

This House Built in 1827 

Was given to Francestown in 1923

for the use of the Library and Historical Society

by Alison Bixby Hill -- in Memory of her Father 

GEORGE HOLMES BIXBY MD

1838--1901

Here's another fireplace, ready with a caldron for a hearty stew or a witches brew.

The attractive periodical shelves appear to be created locally--and skillfully.

There are no standard fines for overdue material, but this Conscience Cow will gladly accept whatever you think you owe.

I spotted a couple of sets of snowshoes when I headed to the children's library downstairs. Another addition to the Library of Things. [I was concerned about the stairs at first because they were very dark. The librarian pointed out that the light would come on when I started down. Well, doh, I should have known that.]

As is often the case, the children's library is downstairs. It is so bright and colorful you quickly lose any sense of being underground.

      

I think this is the first time I've seen tote bags used to encourage participation in "1000 Books Before Kindergarten." 

Children who are participating and the progress they are making are represented by a display of flowers.

I think we've found the "mother lode" of the Library of Things, at least for kids. From the labels, however, I think these are kits, not simply things. I see Weaving, Design and Build, Cartooning, Contraptions, Anime & Manga, and one on the lower left that I can't read.

The computer for kids has a brightly colored keyboard, designed to help kids find and learn the standard keyboard layout.

Looking for easy readers? We've found them! Colorful plastic bins are used instead of trying to keep these paperbacks in order. With the bins, the couch, and the rug, this room is tops in color and cheer!

I wonder whether the shelves were built to hold the bins, or if someone just got lucky with shelves that are just the right width to hold four bins?

We've been beneath the newer building; now we head into the basement of the older building. A section of the wall remains to remind us what a cool old building this is.

This space is for those who have outgrown Easy Readers. 

It's starting to look like teen space.

Snacks might be a possibility.

Plenty of books and kid-friendly seating. (Not old person-friendly; if I got onto this chair, I'm sure I'd need help getting up! But of course, it's not meant for me!

And the certain clue that this area is for teens: tall stools at a tall table. These are a sure sign. And I just realized that one teen feature I very often saw out in Minnesota and environs, but never here: diner-booth seating

The chairs are classic, the paint job is just right for older kids. Not primary colors, but a great combination of bright and subtle.

The youth librarian has a control center right where it needs to be.

The elevator is next to one more set of stairs. I read this sign with care and decided that I did not qualify for the elevator. The stairs have a sturdy railing.

One more library to visit, then I'll head home to supper and the cats.

10/6/2022