This post first appeared on Book Bloggers International as part of Library Love. Unfortunately, my old library referenced below just closed for renovation until late January, so I'm about to take an adventure into a new library in the city. But we'll always have our memorieeeees.
I'm not going to lie; I have a thing for big, overwhelming monsters of libraries. But ever since moving back to Minnesota from the big city of Chicago, I've found myself falling in love with the cozy little library of my childhood again. Sure, it doesn't have every book ever. But it's so cute! And you recognize the librarians because you've seen them since you were 7! And I'm really lucky that the Hennepin County library system has an amazing selection of books. It's SO QUICK about getting all my hold books to me.
Their fiction section isn't quite as big as their nonfiction section, but the librarians are constantly highlighting great books. Recently I saw My Sunshine Away by M.O. Walsh and Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle displayed. I'm so grateful that there are librarians who are clearly paying attention to interesting new books that are out.
The library also does a ton of cool stuff for kids. Like this tent to read in?? I know I'm an adult, but... can I please have a tent too? There are so many cool reading and art programs. I distinctly remember as a child there being a program where kids could apply to display a collection in one of their glass displays. It brought me such a sense of pride and achievement seeing my collection of Beanie Babies (because what else did 90's children collect?) on display for basically the entire world. I'm sure it was equally as exciting for everyone else as it was for me.
Overall, my library is just a really welcoming place to hang out. The chairs are comfy and there are wide open spaces to work, use computers, or just read. One of my favorite things is going to the library with my grandpa after getting lunch together. I'll pick up my (enormous amount of) books on hold and he'll sit for a while reading the new periodicals or checking out the new nonfiction books on display. Browsing at my library is so soothing and it's always nice to see a friendly, familiar face.
And if you didn't believe me when I said enormous amount of holds... Here's half of them.
