Lincoln Highway: Kimball Public Library
Maybe you have heard this before: but I found something I've never seen in a library!
I was expecting to be pleased when visiting the Kimball Public Library. Libraries are always nice to visit, and it’s fun to go see what all they have and to chat with people for a while. But this library? This was such a standout!
I usually follow about the same routine: I wander in, trying to be relatively subtle about taking pictures. I whip out my survey form (paper is necessary, because there are so many extra notes I need to make on the survey), and I head into the stacks to start doing that part of the work. Then I saunter up to the desk, to chat with the person who has been eyeing me to be sure I’m not there to cause trouble. We chat. It’s lovely. And I head out happy, off to the next library.
In this library, I started with that routine. But then a patron confronted me to tell me how great the library was! And then person at the desk did too - but wanted to get her manager. So then the director came out, and not only showed me all around, but was so gracious and so positive it was just a joy to be there! Most library people are nice, and happy enough to chat with me; but this was just wonderful.
Several things in this shot are awesome! First, check out that seating group of comfy chairs! I didn’t get all of it in this picture, but it’s nice conversation area. There had been some people sitting there, and they were having a good time chatting. Then, the globe. (I’ve talked about my love of globes in libraries.) And the Library of Things!!! There are the letters hanging down - the art is just wonderful there. And then all the awesome things in their Things collection! You can see a variety of different things here, and there are pictures and lists of other things that are too large for this shelf. Those things included a wheelchair, a spray cleaner, and a variety of different big things. Ask to see them when you stop by the library for your visit!
I love, love, love when libraries identify the parts of their collections. From all my research, over two decades now, people do not know what Dewey or LC call numbers mean on the books. (If you work in a library, you know this!) Make it easier on them, so they find things, and easier on you so they have to ask fewer questions.
And again, because it’s awesome, look at those signs. They are laser cut in their back room! I was SO EXCITED by this! (I have created such a list of things that I really want to have in my library, to show my boss when I get back. Nobody tell her about it yet; I need to figure out how to ask in a convincing way!)
More traditional signs are in the kids room. But I love that this is so handy and helpful, and giving a lot of information about the books kids will want. Education about books, even before they get to the books!
This was one of their backrooms. (Sorry, I was probably vibrating with happiness and that’s why this is blurry!) There are all kinds of things to see here: the laser cut machine, special printers, and more! I’m old enough that I remember when libraries were discussing whether we needed computers in the library. Similar discussions happen about makerspaces - but I come down strongly as Pro-makerspace for all! We’re here to connect information to people, not just information in book form. This library is leading the way in good stuff!
And I missed seeing the full thing here by a few hours. But they have a HYDROPONIC GARDEN in their library!!!! (His name, of course, is Herb!) Every so often, Herb is disassembled and cleaned out. There are several levels, each with plants growing and water flowing over their roots. People can harvest the plants whenever they want; and sometimes the local grocery store will suggest people come by to save some money. I LOVE THIS!
There are also strawberries growing in the planter outside! People are free to come by and enjoy them any time. (There was a little strawberry growing, and I wanted to try it; but let it say for the community member who would want to stop by and enjoy it!)
I’ve talked about my love of library gardens. I recorded a podcast about Library Gardens here (my now-retired podcast Linking Our Libraries, with lots of library training topics!). And I did a research study on gardens in libraries, with a chapter on the results published in the book Public Libraries and Resilient Cities. Put some plants in your library!
And this was really unique! Sure, a lot of libraries have a Friends group. (Try to get one - they can be so helpful!) They sell books, they do good things. Great! Celebrate National Friends of Libraries Week this October! But looking at these shelves, you see: those aren’t books.
Instead of doing that traditional model, this is a display of artisan items made by local vendors, selling them in the library! The artist gets a cut, the library gets a cut, and there is good publicity for everyone. The staff told me that they had tried larger items, but it is often the younger patrons who want to buy things. So the smaller and less expensive items are popular, and the kids can buy several things at a time. So good!
Maybe this week is the time to take a note from this library. Find something fun to do! This might be a week to try growing some plants - whether to eat them or to enjoy them. No need to go as far as the Reno library; just put a plant on your desk or in a window and enjoy it!
As a bonus: I’ll add that both of my grandmothers were amazing at growing plants - and they both told me that the secret was to talk with the plants. I have plants all over my office, and I do regularly talk to them - as do the students who come visit me. The plants seem happy, I’m happy, and students like to visit the office!