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. I now have seen the sculpture of the children reading at several libraries. Although not unique, I still love it. 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