Tuesday Thingers: A Little Late and Off Topic

Although I don't have a favorite bookstore, I do have an affection for Carnegie Libraries. In each town I travel through, I look for a Carnegie Library. I suppose this love was formed in my hometown's Carnegie Library:

I remember checking books out at the little circular librarian desk. I remember the musty smell and the creak of the wooden floors. I remember wooden card catalogs and rolling library carts with the squeaky wheels. There was an abundant children's section with colorful posters; I had to ask for assistance to reach the top shelf where, it seemed, all the best books lurked. I attended Brownie Girl Scout meetings in the basement where the scout leader baked warm chocolate chip cookies.... ah.....

Andrew Carnegie built 2,509 libraries. My home state was the recipient of the most libraries, 165. Today, my hometown Carnegie Library is still in operation with an annex and an expansion wing. Sadly, many Carnegie Libraries did not share the same fate.


Teachers can find a lesson plan detailing all the historical contexts of the Carnegie Libraries on the National Park Service site HERE.

As to Boston Bibliophile's favorite bookstore prompt... I guess I'd have to choose silly old Barnes & Noble. I go there to relax a couple times a month, but I don't know if it'll ever inspire such warm reflection.