Libraries, libraries, libraries. As I noted in yesterday’s post, there are more than 9,000 libraries in the United States. So, how can I possibly narrow my posts to just a select few? First off, I’m sticking to the Southern states. That helps. Secondly, I’ve done a little research to try and find those that have something special to offer—not that all libraries aren’t important. Our little one in Lewisburg, Tennessee is…quaint. But then we’re small town. It wouldn’t serve well for the big city.
One library worth noting is Bellevue in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m not much into art, although I can appreciate a beautiful painting or sculpture. But I’m probably in the minority. This branch boasts not only public artwork (such as Rise Above by Bellevue-area artist Brenda Stein) but visitors can also enjoy an interactive history wall curated by local historians.
If you don’t much care for history, you might still be wowed by all the other amenities—such as a seed exchange program. Yes, you can use your library card to “borrow” vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. No, you don’t need to return the original seeds. That wouldn’t make sense at all. Instead, when the season is over, you harvest the seeds from your garden and return them to the library for others to “borrow.” Not only can you collect seeds for home, school, church, or community gardens, the local librarians will support, coach, and cheer you on in the process!
Until I moved to Tennessee, I lived in Northern California. Just the idea of going to the DMV was the stuff of nightmares. It’s easy peasy here in Tennessee by comparison. And Bellevue Library wants to make it even easier. They have a Driver’s License Kiosk on site where you can renew or replace your Tennessee driver’s license.
They also have blogs and podcasts for your listening (and educational) pleasure.
Another Southern library that caught my attention is the Ben May Main Library in Mobile, Alabama. What’s different about them? First off, the kids have their own space and they have children’s educational workstations for children ages 2-8 as well as Storytimes. Yes, most libraries have a children’s area (even the little one in Lewisburg), but this one is exceptional. They also have a Teen Room that includes computers just for teens.
If you’re thinking there is nothing unique in a educational workstations for children or specialty rooms for teens, you may be right. However, what really struck my attention was their 3D lab.
Ever want to create something with a 3-D printer? This is the place for you. According to their website, the public is invited to “come to the Maker Lab to tinker or to work on their ongoing projects.” They have 3D printers, vinyl cutters, and laminating machines available, plus other equipment helpful to creators and artists. And their costs are extremely reasonable for materials you may need to purchase—or just bring your own.
Both of these libraries have much more than what I’ve shared here, but what I’ve listed is unique—at least in my experience.
I’ll share more tomorrow, so come on back and see what’s next and enter for another chance to win the $25 Amazon Gift Card.
In the meantime, don’t forget to enter for your chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
You can still get the ebook version of Mayhem and Moonlight for the preorder price of $2.99. Be sure to claim your preorder gift by filling out the form from my publisher’s website. Just have your Amazon order number handy. If you prefer the paperback version, it is now available and already includes the preorder gift.
Comments 1
I live in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, specifically Tulsa County. The first time I went to the Tulsa library-main branch. It is huge. It has 5 floors. After tiny Alameda library, I was overwhelmed. But that’s not all. The Tulsa City-County Library has branches in every city in Tulsa County and many in different parts of Tulsa. I recently moved to Glenpool. I wasn’t sure if it was in the county. It is and there’s a small library here. But no matter the size, you can borrow books from any of the other libraries in the county. We also have a seed exchange and many programs for everyone in the county.