Chantel, I loved this! There is something wonderful about discovering that a place you thought you already understood has completely changed while you weren't looking. I especially loved your line, “Bookstores help stories find homes. Libraries help stories find readers.” What a beautiful way to appreciate the value of both. Your experience also made me think about how easily we can become comfortable with what is familiar and never realize what we're missing. I love the idea of approaching not only places, but life itself, with “beginner's eyes.” Sometimes curiosity simply requires being willing to walk through a different door. And I have to admit, a private workspace, a stack of books, and a café sounds like a pretty wonderful workday!
Next time you're near the MLK library, you should visit the rooftop for the views! I've been to several events at the MLK library but haven't patronized it. This post is inspiring me to work from there soon.
My neighborhood library is a different branch, and I reserved a study room for the first time a few weeks ago. I got so much done!
I’m not a snob either but I always felt like more a “book store girlie”, too. I’ve always been too embarrassed to admit this so it helps knowing there’s someone else like me out there. I grew up in a tiny town and frequented the library as a child but I think because my mom felt more at home in a bookstore, it became my go to as an adult. She would splurge on new releases and I will, too, when it’s a beloved author. Otherwise I hold out for paperbacks releases or digital versions. I see how much I’m spending on books and how much I missing out from community time avoiding the library, not out of fear but because it feels unknown. You have inspired me to visit my local library on Monday:-)
Anne, thanks for sharing. I completely understand. You made me realize something else, my parents didn't take us to the library...maybe that is also part of my why. Growing up on military bases overseas (some areas we couldn't leave the base) I don't remember there being a library. We had ones in school but that was it. My girls have grown up in bookstores because of me. They are bookstore girlies. I am OK with that, as long as they are book people. And I will probably always be a bookstore girlie (I need to write in my books) but I am looking forward to incorporating more library time.
I visit the library over here to pick up books and attend book club meetings , there is a library in another town I go to sit when I have a long bus wait and just read up cause of the quiet space
This looks like an absolutely incredible library! Wow! The private room! A café! I live just five minutes' walk from my tiny local library which is staffed entirely by volunteers. They have a fairly small selection of books but with a bit of patience I can make the most of the interlibrary loan system that covers all the libraries in my city and the Libby app. They do a fantastic job although I can't help but imagine what more they could do for the community with better funding.
It is! It is the largest in the area. And it stays busy. I think it matters, the condition of libraries . They should be properly funded to offer more to the community. I have seen some sad looking ones and that shouldn't be.
My little family and I go to the library almost every week and I can't imagine our life without it or all the family friendly community events they host. Welcome back to the library system 😎
I love libraries but sadly I don't take advantage of them nearly enough. For example, my library system covers four counties. I'm not sure how many libraries exactly, but I've only gone to four. My favorite one though is the library that is featured in My Side of the Mountain.
I love an independent bookstore. My goal is to always find at least one when I am in a new city. Libraries are great for meetings, author events, and ebooks through the Libby app.
Crystal, I also love visiting indie bookstores. They are so unique, and I am fascinated https://bookloft.com/ how they curate the books. Do you have a favorite indie bookstore? There is a bookstore in Columbus, Ohio called The Book Loft. It has 36 rooms packed with books! I could spend hours in that place.
The Book Loft is only a couple of hours away from me. I will make it a priority the next time I am in the area. I don’t know if I have a favorite but just went to Call & Response Books when I was in Chicago. The name speaks volume and I felt at home as soon as I walked in the door. https://www.callandresponsechi.com/
That is a great name for a bookstore. My friend is going to Chicago next week so I will tell her about it. The Book Loft is worth a visit when you are in the area.
Fantastic article it immediately filled me with the warm nostalgia of my childhood/teenhood regularly spent in libraries. They're so communal and way less... clinical then too many bookstores these days. I nostalgically remember them even smelling inviting. Keep up the excellent work. :)
Bookstores! Because I'm growing my book collection with dreams of my own library in my house (eventually).
I have people in my life who use the library for their books and keep trying to convince me that I should switch to the library. My problem is that I read four books at once so it takes me a while to finish one. There is a waitlist at the library and you can only take a book out for three weeks.
What libraries can do for readers is amazing and it works for some people but not everyone. Libraries and bookstores will both support readers and the community!
Chantel, I loved this! There is something wonderful about discovering that a place you thought you already understood has completely changed while you weren't looking. I especially loved your line, “Bookstores help stories find homes. Libraries help stories find readers.” What a beautiful way to appreciate the value of both. Your experience also made me think about how easily we can become comfortable with what is familiar and never realize what we're missing. I love the idea of approaching not only places, but life itself, with “beginner's eyes.” Sometimes curiosity simply requires being willing to walk through a different door. And I have to admit, a private workspace, a stack of books, and a café sounds like a pretty wonderful workday!
Next time you're near the MLK library, you should visit the rooftop for the views! I've been to several events at the MLK library but haven't patronized it. This post is inspiring me to work from there soon.
My neighborhood library is a different branch, and I reserved a study room for the first time a few weeks ago. I got so much done!
I love that!! I didn't even know about the rooftop. Thanks for the recommendation. I have to check it out!
Yay! Libraries are awesome!
Chantel,
I’m not a snob either but I always felt like more a “book store girlie”, too. I’ve always been too embarrassed to admit this so it helps knowing there’s someone else like me out there. I grew up in a tiny town and frequented the library as a child but I think because my mom felt more at home in a bookstore, it became my go to as an adult. She would splurge on new releases and I will, too, when it’s a beloved author. Otherwise I hold out for paperbacks releases or digital versions. I see how much I’m spending on books and how much I missing out from community time avoiding the library, not out of fear but because it feels unknown. You have inspired me to visit my local library on Monday:-)
Anne, thanks for sharing. I completely understand. You made me realize something else, my parents didn't take us to the library...maybe that is also part of my why. Growing up on military bases overseas (some areas we couldn't leave the base) I don't remember there being a library. We had ones in school but that was it. My girls have grown up in bookstores because of me. They are bookstore girlies. I am OK with that, as long as they are book people. And I will probably always be a bookstore girlie (I need to write in my books) but I am looking forward to incorporating more library time.
I'm so, so glad you were able to settle down in the library!! They're such important third spaces.
I love that you sound like a kid in a candy store—giddy and overwhelmed. ❤️
I visit the library over here to pick up books and attend book club meetings , there is a library in another town I go to sit when I have a long bus wait and just read up cause of the quiet space
This looks like an absolutely incredible library! Wow! The private room! A café! I live just five minutes' walk from my tiny local library which is staffed entirely by volunteers. They have a fairly small selection of books but with a bit of patience I can make the most of the interlibrary loan system that covers all the libraries in my city and the Libby app. They do a fantastic job although I can't help but imagine what more they could do for the community with better funding.
It is! It is the largest in the area. And it stays busy. I think it matters, the condition of libraries . They should be properly funded to offer more to the community. I have seen some sad looking ones and that shouldn't be.
I love libraries! They are often such interesting places to visit. So glad you discovered the joy as well. It sounds like a perfect day!
It truly was. I am looking forward to spending more time there. Actually, I am dropping by there today.
My little family and I go to the library almost every week and I can't imagine our life without it or all the family friendly community events they host. Welcome back to the library system 😎
Thank you!
I love libraries but sadly I don't take advantage of them nearly enough. For example, my library system covers four counties. I'm not sure how many libraries exactly, but I've only gone to four. My favorite one though is the library that is featured in My Side of the Mountain.
Yes! I live for stories like this!
This brings me so much joy! I’m so glad I’ve met you here on Substack and that you’ve reconnected with your local library ♥️
I love an independent bookstore. My goal is to always find at least one when I am in a new city. Libraries are great for meetings, author events, and ebooks through the Libby app.
Crystal, I also love visiting indie bookstores. They are so unique, and I am fascinated https://bookloft.com/ how they curate the books. Do you have a favorite indie bookstore? There is a bookstore in Columbus, Ohio called The Book Loft. It has 36 rooms packed with books! I could spend hours in that place.
I’ve been to The Book Loft. It’s both amazing and intimidating.
That it an accurate description.
The Book Loft is only a couple of hours away from me. I will make it a priority the next time I am in the area. I don’t know if I have a favorite but just went to Call & Response Books when I was in Chicago. The name speaks volume and I felt at home as soon as I walked in the door. https://www.callandresponsechi.com/
That is a great name for a bookstore. My friend is going to Chicago next week so I will tell her about it. The Book Loft is worth a visit when you are in the area.
Fantastic article it immediately filled me with the warm nostalgia of my childhood/teenhood regularly spent in libraries. They're so communal and way less... clinical then too many bookstores these days. I nostalgically remember them even smelling inviting. Keep up the excellent work. :)
Bookstores! Because I'm growing my book collection with dreams of my own library in my house (eventually).
I have people in my life who use the library for their books and keep trying to convince me that I should switch to the library. My problem is that I read four books at once so it takes me a while to finish one. There is a waitlist at the library and you can only take a book out for three weeks.
What libraries can do for readers is amazing and it works for some people but not everyone. Libraries and bookstores will both support readers and the community!