Westerly Library

Westerly, RI

Opened in 1894 as not just a library but a museum, bowling alley, gymnasium and meeting place for the Grand Army of the Republic. Many renovations have taken place over the years. The most recent in 1994 doubled the size of the building. It has a tremendous amount of space. The art gets rotated regularly in the great room. The library is located next to the Wilcox Park which is also worthy of a visit. A cottage is provided to an artist in residence.

One of the most recent additions to libraries is the library of things. Notice how organized theirs is in the third picture. https://www.westerlylibrary.org/history

 

Webster Memorial Library

 Wentworth, NH

Groundbreaking for the library was in 1915, and the building was completed in 1916. It was paid for and built by Henry and George Webster to honor their parents, Edward and Betsy. The dedication was held on August 23, 1917 during Old Home Day. It was privately funded until 1932, when a scheduled purchase by the town occurred. There is more info in The History of Wentworth, NH by George Plummer.

The Redwood Library and Athenaeum

 Newport, RI

America’s first purpose-built library opened in 1747 in a neoclassic design. It is stated to be the first continuously operating library in its original location. It is considered part library, part museum and part research facility. 

When I originally drove to Newport to find their library, I was directed to a building not far from the famed mansions. I was expecting a historic building with a lot of history in the Spring Street location. I was disappointed to see a modern design. It is very nice, bright and welcoming. It just didn’t fit the area. 

I continued to research and found the Redwood Library. It is what a library should be minus the fee.

Rescue Road

Book Review 

By Peter Zheutlin

4/5*

How and why do so many dogs from the south need to be transported to the north to get adopted? Many southern people have a very different attitude about dogs. The book brings you through the process of unwanted pets and the amazing people who care. Such hard work by so many people have made a difference but there is so much more work to be done. 

Lost Library

 Lāhainā Public Library

Maui, Hawaii 

I am so glad I, at least, got a picture of this library. According to the website, it is now only left with walls after the fire came through and destroyed the town. It did not have a ton of services but had plenty of books to offer the community and tourists. It was built in 1956 with renovations made in 2012. Other libraries and a bookmobile are available in the meantime.

The Well-Lived Life

 Book Review 

Gladys McGarey, MD

4/5*

What is your juice? In other words, what is your passion? Is the first of six secrets to health and happiness at every age. I borrowed this book from someone having a book club in an assisted living facility. I can see how at their age they wonder what is left for them to accomplish. It would make any age consider the path which they are on. The second secret is about moving. It could be taken literally but more so figuratively. Making changes to your life can be healing. Love is the most powerful medicine is the third section. Loving yourself as well as people you may not like is the theme. This is written by a 103 year old doctor who has so many stories to fit each theory. I will let you learn the rest of the six if you find these topics interesting. I am only half way through the book but knew I was going to blog about it from the start.

Middleboro Free Library

 Middleboro, MA

My FAVORITE children’s section. It was so organized, light, cute… So many children’s sections are located in a dark basement. I took many pictures but didn’t get everything. They had a ton of puppets to borrow. How fun! 

I just came from the disappointing Taunton library which was built the same year 1903. It was also built in the Beaux Arts style. This library has been kept updated and well taken care of. https://www.midlib.org/