Peering over the fence

Our local library has been closed for most of the year.  Oh, yes, there was a smaller make-do site with a limited collection and fewer services, but it wasn't what our community actually needs.  The closure was due to earthquake retrofitting and other updating and remodeling requirements.

Yesterday was opening day of the "new" facility.  There was no parking in the library lot or in another lot next door.  Even street parking was at a premium.  It wasn't just me and Steve who wanted to check out the new digs.  Instead the place was bustling - and this was during the day when most folks were at work.  It seemed that the entire town was either book-starved or curious.

What a nice place!  A new room was built for teens and there's a periodical reading room now too.  Skylights were added to offer more light and and an open, airy feeling.  Instead of tables for four - which are almost only used by one person - many more tables for two were installed.  These are equipped with plugs for laptops.  There are several more computer terminals now as well.  There are new self-checkout machines - so smart that they will even collect your library fines if you remembered to bring a credit card.

I received an e-mail a few days before the re-opening to invite me and Demi back for the Read-to-a-Dog program which I started at the library.  As much as we enjoyed being with the elementary crowd, I declined and explained my current health situation.  Another dog wants to participate - perfect! - so the program can continue.  Demi and I listened to beginning readers for two years.  Now another team can take our place.  But it was good to be asked..... (she said wistfully...)