Libraries

I like libraries. I like the looks of them. I like the smell of them. I like their offerings…books (and more). Our library in Northfield is wonderful. I walked out of the library the other day with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for our city library.

The updated entrance to the library (2016).

I go to the library often…to borrow books, and CD’s, and even DVD’s for myself. My husband does too. I am in the habit of making my request online, then having the librarians find the item -at our library or another connected to the library system – and put it on hold for me until I go pick it up.

Another view of the Northfield library.

When the grandkids lived with us, we went to the library weekly for story time. Now I get to be the storyteller over Zoom. So now, I go to the library weekly to pick out children’s books for my story time. The children’s librarians are always willing to help me and I usually leave with about 10-12 books. I come home, read them to make sure I like them, and then let the kids choose which ones we’ll read. It’s great fun. 

Inside the original part of the Northfield library.

The other day I checked out an audio book and knew I wouldn’t be able to return the CD’s on the due date, so the librarian extended the due date for me.

A corner view of the original library building.

The library in Northfield is a Carnegie library. A Carnegie library is a library built with money donated by a Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. A total of 2,509 Carnegie libraries were built between 1882 and 1929.* So Carnegie libraries are older, and usually beautiful, brick buildings.

This is the original door to the Northfield Carnegie Library (no longer in use).

The Northfield Carnegie library was built in 1910. A large addition was added in 1985. Another renovation was completed in 2016. The 2016 renovation included many large windows that let in lots of natural light and it is lovely. There are some nice sitting areas where I sometimes go to write or read.

The newest addition to the library…bringing much natural light into the lovely space.

I remember during renovation the library moved to the city hall, yet they still were able to provide a limited, but wonderful, service to the community.

The yard sign for library.

I like books. I like to read. I like the variety from the library without having to purchase. And, the library is available to anyone. I am grateful for our library system…a gateway to the world of reading.

*Wikipedia

7 thoughts on “Libraries”

  1. True, we are so fortunate to have such a lovely library here in Northfield! A great place for all ages. Happy Summer reading!

  2. Love the Northfield Library and the friendly librarians! You are certainly lucky to have such a wonderful facility in your city. I can picture you as a great story reader for children!

  3. I LOVE the Northfield Library also! Being able to peruse the author’s and subjects online and then put books on hold is such a fun experience; and it’s free!! And the staff is so helpful!!
    When the remodeled in 2016 I was so happy that they kept the old elevator cuz it’s kind of quaint!! The library is such a beautiful place and so peaceful!
    Thanks for the history lesson Valerie!!

    1. Of course it has an elevator but I’ve never used it…I will check it out the next time! 😉
      Thanks Mary Jane.

  4. I got to know your beloved library during the pandemic as it remained open while ours in Faribault was closed for a long time. I enjoyed exploring and found many good books to read. And, yes, it’s a beautiful library.

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