Small but...

Small but impressive describes a library located in the country that I visited over the weekend. My first impressions are that it is bright and airy, items and sections are well located, inviting and neat/tidy and their books are attractive and enjoy a newness about them that invites a patron to pull them off shelf to take a look. It is easy to read clear spine labels and identify reading levels and locate various item types. Most impressive are the new books collection just inside the front door. It's a huge collection and includes titles from all areas. The display cases just inside the front door are full of interesting titles and intriguing ideas for reading choices. Football choices and Elvis were among displayed titles that day.

There is also an impressive and substantial Reference section that I wouldn't have expected in a library this size; and standing beside Reference is a generous Genealogy/Local History section that includes title sources of particular local interest. The Vertical File inclusions (Libraries still have vertical files??? Yes, they do!) are a significant representation of local interests and needs. I haven't seen a Vertical File collection that large or interestingly populated for a long time, and apparently it is a frequently used portion of the library.

The community in which this library resides is not large, and a number of the "downtown" stores are regrettably no longer in use and instead are sadly boarded up. In some ways it would seem that this town is forlorn and in peril of losing its way. The library, however, demonstrates that this is likely not so. There apparently is a vibrant interest in books, ideas and learning. As the library is located not too far from a high school, students would easily find their way to the library. Although no one said so, it wouldn't be surprising if after school hours find kids heading to the library. The Saturday middle of the morning I was there, there were kids already on the computers in the library. And an adult.

Staff members, clearly pleased with their library, were ready to be of help and share what they have. Oh, and the numerous skylights brought the streaming morning sun in and made the library a particular cheery and inviting place to be -- including for the mom and her two kids who came in to select books from an excellent, attractive young readers collection. And the staff knew their names.

Though small, this library had the feel of a much grander-sized library. Apparently the beneficiary of those with a strong interest in libraries and the written word, this library is a powerful small-town presence and a place that reflects a keen interest in education and providing for its community members. I've been there before and I'll happily go there again.