My Libraries: Wauwatosa, WI

Continuing the series about libraries I've belonged to, we're going back to the very beginning. The Wauwatosa Public Library in Wauwatosa, WI was the first library I ever used. I got my first library card here when I was 7 years old.

The library is a really gorgeous building. The first floor is dedicated to circulation, administrative offices, and meeting rooms. Up a lovely staircase, we get to the adult and children sections. These are separate rooms, both quite large, and very different in style, tone, and atmosphere. I loved the children room. There was an amazing librarian with bright red hair who used to do storytime. She was a really lovely lady--kind, fun, and warm, just as a youth librarian ought to be. The story time room was renovated recently--within the past 8 years. It has these amazing doors that look like giant books. It's separated from the main room, which allows for separate events and noise levels.

The adult section, which I've been using since I was about 11 or 12, is much darker and quieter. There are some seating areas in the large glass window sections, near the magazines and newspapers. This was one of my favorite spots to read and study as a teenager. I still like to spend time there when I'm home for vacations or holidays.

My favorite thing about this library is the space. While the collections need to be weeded and the web page is actually embarassing (I almost couldn't bring myself to link to it here) the space is amazing. The staff is very helpful and fun. With some modernization and innovation, I think this could be one of the best libraries in Wisconsin. Whether that will happen remains to be seen. Tosa is not hiring, so I can't imagine any fresh blood will be injected to keep them fresh. It really needs it.

Although this library has some issues with its collections and online resources, it is very busy. People love this library and support for the library is strong within the community. With a proactive, innovative staff, this library could become even better. If you are a Wauwatosa resident, email your mayor, alderperson, or the library and ask for a new website, increased resources, or whatever you think it needs. The library exists to serve the people of Wauwatosa, and I know it would be pleased to hear from you.

Photo source: Wauwatosa Public Library

My Libraries: Sheffield, UK

In my short life, I've belonged to a few libraries. Not an alarming amount, but a few (like, 5. But for a young gal, that's a lot!) They each have their pros and cons, but I do have a favorite. And honestly, it wasn't the "best" library in terms of internet access or collections.

But it was the most charming.

Welcome, ladies and gentleman, to the Broomhill Library.



I know! It's too precious!

I can barely type this you guys; it just brings back so many memories. This library is tiny. Like, the bottom floor of a very very old English home tiny. And it is precious. If only I had interior pictures! For such a small library, it has a decent selection of fiction and travel guides. I found the travel guides pertaining to Ireland and the UK to be particularly useful, as I was studying abroad at University of Sheffield at the time. There was also a fairly well stocked biography section, although it seemed slightly biased towards members of the British Royal Family. The fiction section was the majority of the collection. I don't recall if they had a lot of teen materials, or if YA lit was even separated. I do remember seeing an awful lot of "chick lit" in the stacks.

But most of all, the reason I loved this library was that it was exactly the library I imagined Miss Marple frequented: a sunny, inviting place full of kind librarians, good books, a few computers (okay, Miss Marple didn't have those), and other readers. I never once felt out of place there. While the library may not have a large collection, it was connected to the many branches in Sheffield and could get you pretty much anything, anytime (as any library should). It also was a quick bus ride to the Central Library (which was also excellent.) In fact, that is where I found the location of a pet store to purchase my English fish, Dorian and Mildred.

While modern construction and gleaming new libraries have their advantages, I think I could happily work around the problems of an old building if it was as sweet as this one. There are ways to expand and work with what you've got, and while it may not be ideal, I love that generations of readers have fallen in love with books here. Old buildings are often gorgeous, and retrofitting them should be considered an option more often!

In the end, who can resist a library in an old stone house, tucked in amongst neighboring homes, on a steep hill, with bushes and flowers all around, a bright red door welcoming you in?

Photo credit: Sheffield City Council