Ashland Public Library

 Ashland, NH

This building was originally built as a home. It was donated to the town in 1937. Prior to this the library was moved from place to place. You can feel how the flow of the building would have been a typical house back in 1821. The building was remodeled to have a better fit. The librarians are now looking for more space. There was an idea of moving once more but eventually decided on an expansion and a reorganization of current location. I wish them well in getting the improvements that they need.

Ashlandtownlibrary.org

A Cover Versus a Story

 Book Review 

The World According to Bob

By James Bowen

3.6/5*

When you look at the cover you think a cute little story. I mean a cat with a scarf? How adorable. However this is a memoir about a man and his cat who survived some dark times and came out the other side. James dealt with drugs which lead to homelessness. He struggled to get on his feet. Bob, the cat, made his life bearable and worth the work. Many people treated him poorly as he worked the streets trying to sell magazines. He worked hard to make a better life for the two of them.

Pictured is one of my companions.

Airy

 Jamestown Philmenia Library 

Jamestown, RI

What you would expect from a library on an island. A great story walk around the building amongst a perfect landscape. The large windows create an open, airy feel to the space. Close to half of the building is dedicated to the children’s section. There is a playroom with windows looking out to a playground right next door. A relatively new building considering it’s in New England. It was opened in 1971 after much fundraising.

Peace Dale Library

 Wakefield, RI

What a great structure! A large portion of the building was being renovated so I was not able to see the entire interior. I hope they took some before pictures of the space. I look forward to seeing the results. The librarian explained the front of the building was the library and the back was a community center. It was originally built in 1891 in a Richardsonian Romanesque style. Over time as most libraries tend to need more space, they took over the entire building. The children’s area is in the basement. It needed to be renovated recently due to a burst pipe. The bronze statue in the front garden is called “The Weaver”. It was created and donated in 1920. https://www.skpl.org/785/Our-Buildings

Wakefield Books

 Wakefield, RI

Bookstore 

I can’t remember the last time I went into a mall and saw a bookstore. Here is my one example. Nicely organized and neat. They start with the bargain books outside the door with mostly fiction towards the front. A good selection of many genres. Seemed to be a good traffic flow for a sunny summer afternoon. I hope the mall can sustain in these times for the benefit of this store specifically. https://wakefieldbooks.com/

Gilford Public Library

 Gilford, NH

I enjoy seeing a different statue than I’ve seen before. Open, airy, welcoming spaces in this library. It has options of sitting by a fireplace or a shady spot outside, continuing a puzzle or enjoying the murals in the children’s section. 

This building was built rather recently in 2008 using a $3 million donation from Dick and Betty Persons. The town had several locations prior; each of which never met the growing population of the town. “ the newest facility does indeed paint a portrait of an intelligent town, but also paints a picture of the tremendous dedication of the numerous individuals who were determined to offer the town a vehicle for information, information that helps create an educated public” https://www.fosters.com/story/news/local/2009/04/12/lots-history-within-gilford-public/51998296007/

Quirky

 Hall Memorial Library 

Northfield, NH

Yes, that’s the first word that came to mind when I wandered about this library. The building has some great details. It was built in 1885 with a donation from Mary Hall Cummings in memory of her husband. There are many cute alcoves to dive into upstairs and downstairs. Some of the spaces have a bit of clutter. The lower level holds the children’s section. I thought a couple of videos would help envision the small nooks. The upstairs has cathedral ceilings and stain glass windows. I had been by the library before but it was closed at the time. Very glad I was able to return and get the full experience. It is said to be one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Architecture. Hallmemoriallibrary.org