Why build libraries these days?

I’ve heard this type of question. Some can’t see spending the money on a place that people rarely use.

Let’s use the Tiverton RI’s library as an example. The town had a beautiful stone library with a view which was built in 1938/39. As the town grew and computers were added to the building, the space was not large enough. Patrons were literally standing over computer users’ shoulders to look at the book shelves. There were also other issues with the building that needed to be addressed.

After a vote was taken, the ground was broken for the current library in 2013. It is not just a place to pick up a book. There are so many activities for toddlers through seniors going on monthly. Some of the many activities include story time, art classes, knitting groups, movie nights, lectures…“A gathering place to exchange hopes, dreams, and ideas for our town.”, town council Roderick. It is a place to bring the community together.  https://tivertonlibrary.org/about-your-library/history-of-libraries/

Holderness Free Library

 Holderness, NH

“The building is one of the architecturally most eclectic in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, exhibiting a harmonious combination of Classical, Colonial Revival, and Victorian elements” A small building with a lot of character. I love the outdoor setting the most. Check out the plaque in the garden. “If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Cicero https://www.holdernessfreelibrary.org/about-us.html

The Little Lost Library

Book Review

Ellery Adams

3.4/5*

 Not an outstanding book. I enjoy some mystery. What I really enjoyed was the fantasy of how busy her bookstore was and how much fun she has owning, running and purchasing for it. I would love to own a bookstore but I believe there would be more quiet times and more money concerns. Maybe the customers were drawn in because there was no library in town and it had a busy cafe?

While My Sister Sleeps

Book Review

4.7/5*

WOW! I would highly recommend this book.”Let go of what might have been….accept what is.” I’m glad I didn’t have to make the decision that the mom did. “Change is good.” Sometimes can be very difficult to accept.

Moultonborough Free Library

 Moultonborough, NH

Money to build this library was collected from Martha French and the town in 1929. It has grown over the years with some great details. https://moultonboroughlibrary.org/Pages/Index/182861/library-info

A Child Called It

 Book Review 

By Dave Pelzer

5/5*

As I browsed the psychology section of a bookstore many years ago I came across this title.  I could not believe what I was reading. Take out the tissues for this one. This was my first experience reading/hearing/learning about domestic violence. Of course it made it that much worse to think it was happening to a child. 

Meredith Public Library

 Located in Meredith, NH

A well taken care of library originally built in 1900 in memory of Benjamin M. Smith’s parents. It has been renovated and expanded since. It is said to be the most attractive libraries in the lakes region. It sits overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. The town of Meredith has an excellent sculpture park. Every year the sculptures change including the one in front of the library. http://www.meredithlibrary.org/about-library

Book Club

 Book Review 

By Mary Alice Monroe

4.5/5*

You know when you have never read anything by an author but the cover looks interesting. I hoped for the best. This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed the description of each of the characters and how it all came together. I’ve since read other books by Monroe hoping for the same enjoyment factor but none so far is quite as good.

Cumston Hall and Library

 Monmouth, Maine

This combination theater and public library is a unique beauty.   Built in 1899 for only $20,000. Look at those windows.  https://www.cumstonhall.com/

Library or Boat House

 Provincetown Library 

It is not often that you come across a boat this size in a library. But if you see one it would be in a library at the tip of Cape Cod. There are views inside and , from the second floor, outside. You’ll enjoy the nautical feel throughout.

Build the Life You Want

Book Review  

 

 

Arthur Brooks
Nonfiction 3.5/5*

I listened to the audio version of this book. I find that if I am listening to a self help/motivational book I should get the hard cover because I want to highlight some statements or reread certain parts.

His key to realize: it is impossible to be happy all of the time so we should strive to be happier. He discussed having a balance between:

• Self and doing for others
• Work and home life 

We need to work on making good friends and maintaining them. The older we get the more difficult it can be. We need to look at the satisfaction that we receive from our job. Can we make changes to improve this? He gives some good advice about several topics.

The Last Lecture

 Book Review 

By Randy Pausch

5/5*

Nonfiction 

Written by a professor who could have crawled up and cried due to his circumstances. Instead he lectured about the life he led and how he achieved his dreams. Inspiring! Although you may want to have a tissue handy. “This talk wasn’t for you, it was for my kids.”

Millicent Library

The architecture of this building is amazing. It is located in Fairhaven, MA. It was built in 1892, dedicated in 1893. This beautiful place was donated to the community in memory of a 17 year old girl who died way too young. https://millicentlibrary.org/library-history

 

Christmas on the Island

 Book Review:

 

Jenny Colgan

 

3.8/5*

 

I enjoyed this experience on the small island of Mure. This story will make you feel the cold and wind. It follows the life of a bakery owner as well as the other islanders. This book is part of a series. Although some say you don’t have to read them in order, I believe you should. If you jump right into this title you will be confused about some characters. They pop in with no explanation. I would suggest reading Cafe by the Sea first.

Best Used Bookstore

 Book Barn in Niantic, CT

Even if you are not a reader it’s a fun place to go. It is open year round with 3 locations and has great prices. Such a wide variety of topics to browse, if you walk out empty handed you are not a reader. Although my pictures are of the exterior, there is so much more to see indoors. Barnniantic.com

Martin House Books

 An independent bookstore in Westerly, RI

A combination of books and cafe was a great find 1/2/25. Great atmosphere, places to sit to read or have a snack. Cafe has a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Downstairs is a sweet area for children. The ship mural is in the children’s section. Had classic as well as new titles for both adults and children. Martinhousebooks.com