I know you guys are thinking “oh, holy hell. Not another library post. What can she possibly tell me about the library that I don’t already know?”
It’s not really that kind of post.
I mean, you guys already know that the library is filled with all kinds of awesome things like free books and eBooks and audiobooks and magazines. You already know that it’s a great resource for workshops and children’s programming and book clubs. You already know that there’s free wifi and computers and a quiet place to read or relax.
So there’s no need to repeat all of that.
But what I do want to tell you about is my library. My third home (I’d say second but that’s really the child’s cheer gym although if I had my choice, they’d reverse themselves in order but unfortunately that’s just one of those things that really not in my control so I just deal with it and maybe also complain a little). The place that, when it sends me emails, I get all kinds of giddy.
Because my library is pretty kick ass.
First of all, it’s old. Really old.
Which means it has really old books and a whole bunch of history so if you geek out over stuff like that, you’re basically in nerd heaven.
It’s a contract library which means that it’s part of the state system but also independent. So it can pretty much do whatever the fuck it wants.
Doing whatever the fuck it wants means that it gets to host really cool library and community oriented fundraisers, like painting and wine night. That’s right. You can paint. And drink. And eat. IN THE LIBRARY. That’s badass.
And when you pay your fine? Doesn’t go to the man. It goes to the library to buy more books and things the library needs. Really, it’s the only time I don’t mind paying a fine for something that’s totally unavoidable (seriously, does anyone else have a problem with forgetting to renew, online, their library books?)
There’s garden seed exchange program. True story. There’s a little filing cabinet filled with all kinds of seeds that you can take for your own growing pleasure. Then, when you get a chance, you just replace the packet. And, as an added bonus, there’s usually the literal fruits of people’s labor in baskets on the circulation desk during the summer months.
Let’s not leave out the librarians. I love these ladies. As a lifelong patron of libraries, I’ve become acquainted with many a librarian. None like these. To start, they know me and my daughter by name, without having to look at our library cards. Then there’s the fact that they actually have conversations with you. Pleasant conversations. Not just a “here’s your book and here’s when it’s due” conversation. Also, they are more helpful than any librarians I’ve ever encountered. Oh, you need a book the entire state doesn’t have? Let’s see if we can get it from somewhere else! Oh, you need a book renewed that maybe has a hold on it? Sure, we can help you out! Oh, it’s a little too loud in here? No big deal! It goes on and on. Far cry from the clinical, stereotypical librarian you normally encounter.
Essentially, my library is the Cheers of libraries.
Alcohol included.
I accept your jealousy.
I am joyfully going to the library today! One of my favorite places, too.
Have a happy day.
Love. Steph’s Monma
I love library day! Best day of the week!
Momma! Hit post before proofing.
I LOVE my library. I am always maxed out at 50 holds – no shame! And the librarians know me and my family we are such frequent visitors!
Nancy @ NY Foodie Family recently posted…Ravioli with Lemon Butter Basil Sauce
50 holds?! Even I don’t have that much, and I generally have a ton on hold!
LOL! They are not all books for me. Most are either movies or picture/chapter books for the kids.
Nancy @ NY Foodie Family recently posted…Ravioli with Lemon Butter Basil Sauce
The libraries I’ve always been to have been part of a county or city systems. I had no idea a thing like independent libraries existed.
Also I keep waiting for any of the librarians here to acknowledge I’ve been there before. Still hasn’t happened, friendly should be in the job description for that job.
Kelli recently posted…You Do What All Day?
These are the friendliest librarians I have ever encountered. Some have been straight up rude. Usually it’s somewhere in between.
This is also the first independent library I’ve come across. I think the fact that it’s so old has something to do with it.
Your library sounds awesome. That’s what they’re supposed to be – community places.
I am relieved to be back and getting library books again. I need to put in my requests today.
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…The Culture of Luxury Books
I get itchy when there’s a lull in books coming in from the library.
I love how community oriented our library is. Small towns sometimes have their advantages.
i love my library as well. i just found out yesterday that they have a “reading challenge” going on for kids kayla’s age and gave her a little booklet about it so every book she reads, she gets a stamp and then at the end, she gets some kind of prize if she finishes reading every suggestion in there. and the great thing is that it’s not just books – it’s anything! ie. read a newspaper article, read a greeting card, read 2 signs from your neighbourhood etc. i loved that they’re letting kids know that they can read anything every where, not just at the library.
kathy @ more coffee, less talky recently posted…in the planner’s head
Our library does that over the summer to encourage kids not to forget to read during their break. The child is good about participating (mainly because I make her). I do like that yours encourages the kids to read everything, though! That’s pretty awesome!
Your library sounds magical!!! I wish I had a better library closer to my house. Mine is teeny tiny and hardly ever has any books I want to read. They literally only have three audio books total. THREE!!! I mean, WTF??? Of course I have already listened to all of them. The seed share thing sounds so freaking cool! I am just going to sit here and be a jealous, bitter bitch!
Nadine recently posted…Browned Butter Sage Sweet Potato Gnocchi
The selection of books is fairly limited but since the whole state shares books among libraries, it’s pretty easy to get books I want that they don’t have in house.
Sounds nice! My library is pretty generic but one thing I love about it is it’s the one place I know I can go to when I need air-conditioning! 🙂 And it’s only 1.5 blocks away too.
Tonya@Budget and the Beach recently posted…Financial Odds and Ends: Vol. 8
Yes, close, free air conditioning is a definite bonus! You should read a book or two while you’re there, too 🙂
I also love the library so much! It’s an amazing, magical place full of wonderful free things, and a respite for the soul.
Kalie @ Pretend to Be Poor recently posted…Terrific Trash Finds of Summer 2015
I like that phrase, a respite for the soul. Books provide me a peace that nothing else does so I’m inclined to agree with you.
How cool the library can host awesome events and is so historical. It must smell awesome inside :).
lisacng @ expandng.com recently posted…Page Turners: The Silver Linings Playbook
The smell upstairs is fine. Downstairs…well, let’s not discuss that part of it.
seriously, you have all my jealousy. my library sucks and your library sounds amazing. especially the eating part.
kristen recently posted…Things to do instead of working out
Your library sounds awesome.
My library is…well, basic. I do have 3 books waiting for me to pick up, so that’s fun at least.
Amber recently posted…Hey, It’s Okay Tuesday!
I love my libraries, but yours sounds amazing! I’d never heard of a contract library before. So cool!
Christina recently posted…Latest NetGalley Reads
Your library sounds fucking awesome! I love my library, but it’s definitely not as cool as what you’ve just described here.
Also, you definitely won’t get any judgment from me regarding the number of items you’ve requested. I think I have 13 items requested right now, and I add more almost every week. It’s a sickness. At this point I’m actually forcing myself not to add any more until I’ve read at least half of the books I currently have at home. (I have 12 at home right now, if you were wondering.)
Kristen recently posted…Tasty Tuesday: Red Curry Lentils with Coconut Jasmine Rice
I’m not loyal to only one library. How it works here is I can be a member of the Sydney system of libraries and my little suburb’s dual locations. So, I bounce around ten different libraries. And, there’s a lot of self-scanning of books, so I miss that inter-personal interaction. Your library wins.
Erin of TexErin-in-SydneyLand recently posted…I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak – Aussie Author Challenge book.11
i’ve never heard of a contract library before but that sounds awesome!! no wonder you love it. there needs to be a library tour, kinda like a pub crawl, but quiet!
ellesees.net recently posted…FabFitFun FALL Unboxing + Ipsy September Bag
Your library sounds amazing! I want wine night at the library! I was a history major in school, so I would definitely geek out over the old books too. Seriously, can we be friends?
Kristi @ Femme Frugality recently posted…A Frugal Halloween
EATING IN THE LIBRARY?!?! *starry eyed*
Amanda recently posted…Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho… IT’S OFF TO WORK I GO!
Your library sounds awesome. My library has a book sale every other weekend and I love it. It has it’s own bookstore too. I love when they are unique and the librarian are like good friends.
Kerry recently posted…A Little White Lie