I tried to visit this library once before, back when libraries were just starting to allow folks in during the pandemic. My gps and I were not working well together, and I never found the entrance. This time I had no problem and I can't imagine what my problem was before! The library sits high on a hill that it shares with a former school site, now condos.
The entrance has many great features. I like the spacious front porch with assorted seating, including real chairs with padded seats. [I walk a lot, and I'm very fond of comfortable resting spots!]
What I really got a kick out of is something I saw fairly often in Minnesota--and nowhere since. Take a look at that splotch of color on the far left.
You can't readily tell from the picture, but this is a locker system that allows patrons to pick up requested books even if the library is closed. The request is made on line and the requested item is placed in the designated locker for the patron to retrieve. This can be a great convenience
when the patron's schedule and the library's schedule don't mesh. One that I recall in Minnesota was used to provide library service while a library was being built in a fast-growing exurb.
There's a neat bit of trompe l'oeil here: Look very closely and you can see the dividing lines for the drawers that hold the requested books!
I found an old post with a picture of the book lockers in a suburban location in Minnesota. This one is in the lobby of the city hall.
After I checked in with staff to ensure that I could wander around and take pictures, I started toward the children's area. The children's library has several parts. First there is this large collection of "J" fiction books. If you walk through this section, you come to a large window facing a program room. A few kids were starting to work on projects and I think I saw a sign indicating "Messy Projects."
Later I found a similar room at the other end of the children's area. We'll see it later.
I really like the strong colors throughout the library! The picture below is a long look from the J books out to the main desk.
Here's something new to me: many LEGO kits in plastic bins. Most libraries I've visited have LEGO, but they are usually in large tubs for general building. I like this system. Individual kits are pricey, and once you've built one, then what? This way a kid can build one, then get another to work on without breaking the family budget. The kits are shelved near the main desk, which probably minimizes any problem of attrition.
The Library of Things has made a leap from "once in a while" to "everyone is doing it." What's unique here is the "clothesline" with a card for each "Thing," making it clear which are out (back of the card showing) and which are available. I first saw "things" available for borrowing, specialty cake pans, in Nashua, Iowa.
The stacks fill one side of the large adult area. Non-fiction is here in the foreground...
...followed by fiction. I didn't think to look for genre collections. At one library I visited recently I was surprised by a large collection of Westerns. I say "surprised" because they are very popular out in the heartland but not here in the East.
I believe I saw something on the library website about a program to share cuttings. By the looks of these windowsills, the program has happened and has been very well received. The adult area is a lot of a bit unusual in that there are a lot of one- and two-person "spots" spread across a large area. And it just occurred to me that I don't recall any of the "living room" groupings that I'm accustomed to seeing. Perhaps I missed them?
Speaking of media, as we were, this is the music CD collection. The attribution sign surprised me.
This is the Teen area. It looks very dignified and attractive. Tall tables and chairs are a sure sign of a Teen or Young Adult area; I don't know why. In YA areas broadly speaking, I've spotted various choices, from beanbags on the floor to diner booths and everything between.
I was pleased to see that the library is collecting plastic bags of all sorts. I gave up saving mine a while back because I wasn't aware of anyplace where I could take them. Now I know...
With a quick jump across the lobby, we're now back in the little-kids area, with a bit of the librarian's office in the foreground.
More strong colors here, and a great message spread across the wall: The Library puts the "Unity" in "Community."
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Shelf signs guide you to subject areas in the junior non-fiction area. [I try to remember to note how book levels are assigned in each library. For example, does J stand for Juvenile or Junior? Or something else entirely? Is non-fiction shelved by Dewey numbers or subject (bookstore style)? Are all levels of non-fiction shelved together?]
This Hooksett Fire Truck is a good replica of the real thing, right down to the signage and lights.
Ah, we've come full circle now. Do you remember that we were able to look into a project room at the other end of the children's area? Here is the other room that I mentioned there. It seems like a great idea to have two rooms that can be used for various projects with mid-sized groups.
Here's a bit of programming that requires little or no adult supervision. Just "HELP US COLOR THE WHITE LETTERS."
OK, we've done a tour of this handsome and very active library. I enjoyed every bit of it, and as usual feel that I didn't do it justice. I even got to meet the Director and Assistant Director, a rare treat!
I strongly suggest that when you're traveling you stop by any library you come across. Virtually every town has one! After 600+ libraries I'm still finding things I'd never seen before. I'm sure you can do the same.
6/27/2023
