Charms of a small-town library-CSM
The April 14, 2008 issue of the Christian Science Monitor had a very good article on small-town libraries called “The charms of a small-town library: Modern libraries may have up-to-the-minute technology, but they lack the friendly, nostalgic feel of their older counterparts.”
“There has been talk of building a new library in our town. Some think it is what this place needs; others are for sticking with what we have. I’m in the latter camp. It’s true our small-town library has no computers, no interlibrary loan system, no DVD collection. There is no self-service checkout where you scan the bar code on your book, just as at the supermarket.
What our town has is unique: The library is more a reading room than a repository with technological aids; more a literary salon – although a loosely structured one – than a hushed space with little interaction among patrons.
Our library is located on the second floor of a solid brick building. On the lower level are a fudge shop and drugstore.
As you ascend to the second level from the door on the street, the smell of fudge and caramel permeates the stairwell. And just across the street is a cookie bakery, so that reading and sweet food are forever linked in the minds of patrons.
During my lifetime, I’ve been a card-carrying member of several small-town libraries – some adjoined to police stations, some to firehouses. But the best library combo is with a fudge shop.”
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Posted by Rich
