The Library is Open

 

    We live a block or so from the library. While I haven't spent as much time there as I would have liked, I like the fact that it is so close. Last year, they shut the library down to do some renovations. I was pretty sad about it. Although  I'd been choosing my books through an online catalog, I liked being able to walk to the library and pick my books up as well as drop them off when I finished reading them. 

    The library moved temporarily to the second floor of one of the county buildings. I was happy I had access to the library, but the county building was not convenient. I still checked out books, but I had to make sure to pick up books or drop them off when running errands.

    The library reopened a month ago. I was working on reopening day so I had not seen when changes were made. 

     A few days ago, I had a book I needed to return. Since the library is close to our walking path, we decided to drop off the book and then take a walk. Once we got to the library, C suggested that I drop the book off inside and take a look around. 

    As soon as I stepped in the door I could feel the difference. The conference room that was off to the right was not there and the bathrooms must have been relocated. I turned left and walked into the library. The book return was in the spot it had always been. Everything else was different. 

    The floor plan was much more open. It felt open and spacious. The walls were painted a light blue. The old study rooms had large glass windows instead of walls. There were rows of computers for people to use in the middle. There was a large area with children's books and chairs. Around the edge of the library were comfortable chairs with small tables next to them. These replaced the wood chairs and tables that used to be there. The books were spread out in various places. The aisles between the shelves were wider.There was a large room with glass walls and a sign that said "Quiet Room". There were several small tables and chairs inside. 

    I wandered among the stacks and found some books I wanted to check out. We hadn't planned on going into the library so I didn't have my card. I didn't have my phone with me so I could put the titles in my notes for later. C wanted to check something out too. He went to the desk and found out that he could check things out without the card. I collected the three books I wanted and took them to the checkout desk. The librarian at the desk was friendly and helpful. I told her that I really liked the renovations that were made. She told me that things had turned out well. Ever since the library reopened, they've seen more people, especially families, coming to the library. This made me happy.  These are my tax dollars going to a very good use.

    I took my books and C and I walked home happy that our library was open again.