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 

Innisfree Bookshop

 Bookstore 

Meredith, NH

More than a bookstore, it’s a community center. There are posters of local activities on the front windows. There is a wall of games and puzzles to browse. They have a beautiful children’s section. One of the reasons I love the town of Meredith so much is their sculptures around the village. They change yearly which is great. This year they have a sculpture of Louisa May Alcott, best known as the author of Little Women, in front of the bookstore. See below for a picture.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

 Book/Movie Review 

4.3/5*

Shelby Van Pelt

Although I read this book back in 2024, I bring it up now because I just watched the movie. I feel like there were a few changes made from the original story. The movie was worth the wait. I enjoyed Sally Field as the main character. She did a great job. The other main character is Marcellos, the octopus. I would have liked more of his wit in the movie. Poor fella was stuck in an aquarium and missed his former quiet life.