By: Jaclyn M.
I think we can all agree that libraries are pretty awesome, right? There are lots of reasons that libraries are great, including the books, computers, events, and staff. I recently went on a few road trips along the East Coast and on the way we stopped at a bunch of different libraries. From Atlanta’s three-story Central Library, to Macon’s extensive in-library braille section, to the amazing historical museum-like displays of the library in Vermont, different libraries all have their own special quirks and features. While I am, of course, biased to my local branch as being the best, it was a really cool experience to get to compare and contrast all the different buildings. In order to showcase each library’s best features, I will be giving out awards for coolest architecture, biggest library, best children’s section, friendliest staff, largest genealogy department, overall best library and fanciest library.
Starting off with what I think is the most important feature of a library, the friendliest staff award! During my visit to the library in Macon, the gentleman at the front desk said “hello”, told me about the 100-year anniversary celebration, and gave me the highlights to check out. Then the gentleman in the genealogy department talked for about 15 minutes about all of those highlights, even staying after his department had closed. And the children’s librarian pointed out all of the highlights in their very large children’s section. All in all, the award is definitely well deserved!
And the Friendliest Staff Award goes to….
Washington Memorial Branch in Macon Georgia!
Next is the coziest library. It may be small - just one room, in fact! But this library’s got it all! From computers, to a children’s section, and complete with some cozy rocking chairs on the front porch.
And the Coziest Library Award goes to….
Tybee Island Branch in Tybee Island, Georgia!
This next branch has the best decor. It is actually even smaller than the Tybee Island Branch, but they maximized the space. Between the nice placement of couches, a chandelier, and even a small mural—fitting all the pieces together was no small feat.
And the Nicest Decor Award goes to….
L. C. Anderson Memorial Library in Metter, Georgia!
We talked about the overall nicest, but now let’s zoom in on a section that is commonly skipped over, as we take a look at the next library who added a bit of magic to their hold shelf.
And the Prettiest Hold Shelf Award goes to….
Bluffton Branch Library in Bluffton, South Carolina!
Along the same lines, this library really went the extra mile to add a special touch to those looking down.
And the Best Shelf Beautification Award goes to….
The Howe Library in Hanover,
New Hampshire!
Now this next library really went the extra mile too, but in a bigger way! This library just wowed me with the wavy wooden wall for the computer area, an entire carved out room for the teen area, and even a CASTLE room in the children’s area! You read that right! A CASTLE!
And the Best Interior Structure Design Award goes to….
Savannah Public Library in Savannah,
Georgia!
Now in a similar fashion, while the Savannah library focused on cool interior rooms, the next library has been busy, too! Only in a different way, by featuring a layered three story staircase with a mezzanine on every level.
And the Best Interior Architecture Award goes to….
Central Library in Atlanta, Georgia!
This was hinted at a bit earlier, but this library has one of the largest genealogy departments in Georgia, and people come from all over the state to visit the genealogy department, even Amelia Earhart!
And the Best Genealogy Department Award goes to….
Washington Memorial Branch in Macon,
Georgia!
The next library, once again, went all out this summer. Complete with a tent and a little campfire display.
And the Best Summer Reading Display Award goes to….
The Howe Library in Hanover,
New Hampshire!
Now that we’ve done summer reading displays, it's time for the best overall displays. On display were Barbie book dresses, balloon flowers, and a very detailed fairy house (my favorite!). These displays must have taken a lot of time and effort, which this library staff was more than happy to put in!
And the Best Overall Display Award goes to….
Hilton Head Island Public Library in
South Carolina!
Now I know that many libraries, including my own, offer accessible services like braille books on order. But this next library has entire shelves full of braille books for all ages easily available! They even showed me how to use the machine that punches the braille code into books!
And the Largest In-Library Braille Collection Award goes to….
Washington Memorial Branch in Macon,
Georgia!
This next library is so regal it's like stepping into a museum. Everything from the walls to the grand piano give you a historical manor vibe. There are maps and posters all over the walls featuring the library’s history, and how the city of Woodstock, Vermont has progressed alongside the library.
And the Most Historical & Fancy Award goes to….
The Norman Williams Public Library In
Woodstock, Vermont!
This next library has a really cool idea to help encourage book clubs in the area. Book Club bags! A bag with sets of the same book, and everything you need to start a book club. They also have bags for theatrical plays.
And the Best Book Club Support Award goes to….
The Howe Library in Hanover, New
Hampshire!
Now for the children’s area, there were two libraries that really wowed me, and I just couldn’t pick one. Between a castle story time room or a full on stage, choosing was just too hard. So, two libraries are tied for the best children’s area.
And the Best Children’s Area Award goes to….
Hilton Head Island Public Library
And…
Savannah Public Library in Savannah,
Georgia!
So I may be slightly biased, but this next library truly is amazing! With its cozy layout, cool architecture, really awesome programs, enchanting fairy trail, and incredible staff, I believe that this library truly deserves this.
And the Best Overall Library Award goes to….
Milton Library in Milton Georgia!
Special Mentions:
Shout out to these libraries for extra cool features.
Washington Memorial Branch in Macon, Georgia!
For a really cool indoor garden!
The Howe Library in Hanover, New Hampshire!
For a built-in cafe!
The Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock, Vermont!
For a special and ever changing art gallery!
The Savannah Public Library in Savannah, Georgia!
For a beautiful window view!
The Milton Library in Milton, Georgia!
For the “book barn” volunteer run book store open on Tuesdays and
Saturdays!
And that’s a wrap! Thank you for reading all about the different libraries, and who knows, maybe you’ll pay one a visit!
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