Elin Hilderbrand

 Author Review 

4*/5

Here’s an author who I have read 5 of her 21 books. They are all based in Nantucket, MA. If you haven’t been, it is a quiet, picturesque island off the coast of Massachusetts. The books are considered romance novels. However I think they are much more than that. You learn about the people; their likes, disappointments and challenges. Some have a little touch of mystery as well.

New Bedford Public Library

 New Bedford, MA

This is another example of a library as a free museum. Some of the details are in the 3rd picture. The building is an excellent display of amazing architecture. There are displays of art throughout the rooms as well as a room dedicated to art. My pictures only cover a small portion of the art and details of the building. https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/library/

Sandwich Library

 Sandwich, MA

The building dates back to 1909. Walking in the front door you would never guess that it is over a century old. It was renovated in 2021 for about 3.5 million. An article has said it was a dark, cramped building that has bloomed into a light, airy and comfortable space. There is room to bring groups together and places to work or read alone. Notice a wall of local artists paintings all for sale. There’s also a fun round window in the children’s section to look through. https://www.sandwichpubliclibrary.com/

Thornton W. Burgess Green Briar Nature Center

East Sandwich, MA

I can find a library anywhere! As I was on the hunt for the most beautiful hydrangeas I came across a place that was dedicated to a local author. His books and life were surrounded by storytelling and the environment. In 1976 a group of locals founded the center in his name. His most well known works was The Adventures of Peter Cottontail. There is a collection of his books here. There is also a gift shop crammed with books about the environment as well as locally produced jam. https://thorntonburgess.org/

Iciest, Diciest, Scariest Sled Ride Ever

Book and Author Review 

Rebecca Rule

 Yes, it is a children’s book. I slid into this story by winning a raffle. Excellent illustrations by Jennifer Thermes. A fun story by an author I have read previously. She also wrote Headin’ for the Rhubarb. A humorous set of stories about people and places in New Hampshire. I noticed she had a speaking event coming up in a town near me. I enjoyed my evening and came home with a prize. 

Henniker Book Farm and Gift

 Henniker, NH

Opened in 1964 and now has 40000 books. What a great bookmark! Love the design. I found this bookstore in the Yankee magazine as a top 10 best used bookstores in New England. A lot of variety and well organized. I was about to leave without a single purchase when I saw the new arrivals section.  I picked up this fun biography of a pig owner from New Hampshire “ The Good Good Pig”.  https://www.hennikerbookfarm.com/

Abbie Greenleaf Library

 Franconia, NH

Opening in 1913, the volumes collected previously were moved into it's current location. The construction was made possible by the order to build the library from Colonel Charles H. Greenleaf in memory of his wife. He took many steps to create a special place with stained glass, mahogany wood work and mosaic floor tiles. He was very involved in the area and settled in Franconia. In 1971 there was an addition that doubled the size of the building. The much needed space does not have a cohesive flow between the 2 sections which is obvious to most when exploring. Both sections are well maintained by the town. https://www.abbielibrary.org/