Library Log 5/29/08

Notes from the back room:

I was recently talking with some friends of mine about public space – you know, common areas we all use. We started talking about a lecture on the Internet site “TED” (Technology, Entertainment, Design.) by James Howard Kunstler. He believes public spaces should be inspired centers of civic life and the physical manifestation of the common good. While I don’t agree with half of what the guy said – I must admit to being more of a rural dweller than a city type, his points about common space got me thinking about our community and our library. A variety of folks use our library. Children, teens, knitters, computer users, folks with reference questions, book clubs – you name it, we all use the same 4000 square feet together. As librarians we shush teens and knitters as best we can, but let’s face it, this is not your great grandma’s quiet library. We have a lot going on. This summer we will have a lot more going on. Summer reading program is not a quiet event. So how does a quiet seeker use the library, you might ask? How does the library meet your needs? Well first off I am going to recommend the schedule of events. Gypsy, the assistant director, makes these nice calendars every month that tell you who is doing what and when. They make handy guides to the possible comings and goings here. We also try and arrange the space in sections. Teen area way way way in the back, the adult area way up front. We put tables and chairs in the all the small nooks to provide private space in our public building. Time of day makes a difference too. There are times when this library is so quiet, a pin dropping is deafening! How you use the library and what you need is important to us. So, as always, come by the back room and let me know what you think, I won’t shush you.