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