Small but dynamic public libraries
The Redwood City Main Library children’s room renovation looks great. I got a sneak preview today, and can’t wait to go to the grand opening Saturday morning. It’s not the authors, or the Reptile Lady, or the musicians. It’s that while I was sneaking through the yellow “Caution” tape it was clear there are a lot of new books on the shelves.
It’s funny, I didn’t realize how central the library is to my living in this town. But it’s really the heart of the city. It’s right in the center of downtown. It has free wireless. My kid is happy there. Whenever I’m there, I run into someone I know. One of the best perks of hanging out in the children’s room is just chatting with other parents and with kids who are book-loving kindred spirits. We get to know each other a little better, so crucial to community.
The library is the heart of the city because it’s a public, free, non-commercialized space, used by a very broad spectrum of people who live here.
And because of the Bay Area’s history, we have tiny downtowns every couple of miles, all with their own libraries, all a bit different and serving different populations. The ones I know best are Redwood City, which is homey and friendly, right on the train line and in the downtown; Menlo Park, which is heavily used by kids, since it’s also on the train line and it’s part of the city’s central park next to a duck pond, the police station, and Burgess Pool; and Los Altos, which has a much more upscale feel, not really a place people walk to, but a friendly library with a tiny “cafe” and the best spot for lying on cushions and beanbags, 70s hippie style, and reading for hours.
Event info for the library re-opening:
Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006
10:15am - 3pm
Free: Fun, festivies, and entertainment:
10:15 Ribbon Cutting;
10:15-12 Gianna Marino, Zoopa author, book signing & sale;
10:15-12 Art in Action;
11 the Reptile Lady snakes & more;
12-2 pm Lisa Atkinson singer/guitarist;
2pm Daffy Dave goofy magic and juggling
