Introduction

What is 'Kathy’s Library Adventures'? 

There is nothing like a good book.  A good library is a close second.  I love a library for many reasons, with the fact that everything is free being on top of the list! Often the architecture is beautiful, comfy reading seats are positioned in cozy corners, you are surrounded by books and the friendly people are a bonus.

My name is Kathy Haapaoja.  I am a semi-retired preschool teacher.  After years of scouring libraries for just the right books, I am going to scour/search/travel Massachusetts for just the right library or libraries. 

Starting at the beginning of the alphabet I will choose a town that begins with the letter, “A.”  The adventure begins when I enter the town and find my way to the library.  I will read up on the basic facts of each library before visiting.  Once I arrive who knows what I will encounter?  I will be noting the architecture, ambiance, programs and services offered, decor, staff interaction, books, books and more books.  I hope to extend my stay in each town by finding a beautiful nature walk, a nearby book store and/or coffee shop and if it’s late enough in the day maybe even a spot for a glass of wine.

I have been known to have people pull the car over when I spot a library while we are out and about.  Now I have a good reason for doing so.  I have a feeling I am going to discover some amazing places and interesting people. 

Who wants to go to the library with me!?  Follow my blog, “Kathy’s Library Adventures!”  and come along. Just click on the follow button on the right near the top of the page (web version). Check out where I'm going next here.

Kathy’s Little Free Library 

If you're in the Mansfield, MA area, stop in to Kathy's Little Free Library. We have a pair of book exchanges - one for kids, and one for adults and young adults. Download the Little Free Library app and drop us a note, or use the app to check out other library exchanges in the area.

Download the Little Free Library app:

Ipswich

 

I is for Ipswich

,

Ipswich Public Library

25 North Main Street

Ipswich, Massachusetts

We set off for Ipswich on a spectacular autumn day.  Not a cloud in the sky, perfect 70 degrees and foliage on display.  While I had traveled through Ipswich, it is a town I was not familiar with.  The few hours spent there on this "Library Adventure" has made me wonder why it took me so long to explore this beautiful part of our state.

Once off the highway the scenery and feel of the town conjured up words like "quaint", and "historic".  This north shore town almost seemed like a movie set.  I found out later that Ipswich has been been the sight of quite a few movies.  Most recently, Netflix filmed their series Salem's Lot in Ipswich.  

The library sits at the top of small hill.  It is surrounded by old homes, a picturesque church, an art sculpture, a monument, green spaces, flowers, and trees.  The library itself was built in 1869.  It is Greek Revival architecture.  The view from the street is impressive and welcoming.  My favorite view is from the front with the old, black, very basic "LIBRARY" sign that you walk underneath to reach the front door.

Just inside the door, at the front desk my husband (Carl) and I met two awesome librarians:)  I enjoyed listening to their stories and hearing the pride they have in  both their library and the town of Ipswich.  They told us that Ipswich has the most "period houses" in the United States!  They describe a town devoted to their public library, with a budget as generous as possible.  A town devoted to their library and its patrons impresses me!  

They offer so many programs that serve all ages.  There is a "heat technology class" to assist people who are going solar.  I would be all over their cook book club!  Everyone who attends the meeting brings along a dish they made from their cook book.  They offer flower arranging classes!  Their author talks are very well attended!   Free is such a good price for classes that offer information, a skill, fun, and socialization

People also make use of the libraries computers and printers.  As one of the librarians put it, "Not everyone has a printer, quite often they don't work and the ink is expensive!!"

Each library I have visited has a "Library of Things."  This is a collection of sometimes useful, sometimes just fun items to be borrowed, just like you borrow a book.  Each town's offerings are unique.  Among the Ipswich libraries offerings were a sewing machine, wireless Hot Spots, a shredder, and a  pickleball set.  They also offer "Binge Boxes."  You can go home with a plastic container full of movies put together by a theme, actor, event, or holiday.  It's like having someone do all the work for you.  All you need is a lazy or rainy day and some popcorn.

Before heading downstairs to the children's section we toured the various rooms.  There is so much to explore.  Endless shelves of books, well organized with comfy seating everywhere.  There is a display with the caption "Ipswich - The birthplace of American Independence - 1687."  Alongside this there are letters written between teenagers from the World War II time period, living in Ipswich England and Ipswich New England.  I am sorry to say that I didn't read any!  I can't help wonder what those teenagers would make of texting!

Once reaching the lower level, you view the children's room through a large window that is at a child's height.  The children's room is large, colorful and inviting.  There are two chairs situated in front of a fish tank.  I didn't take many pictures as I was chatting with two friendly and informative librarians that appear to love their jobs!  They have seven book clubs that span grades 1st - 5th grades.  The children show up in large numbers!  Those are lucky kids whose books turn into an adventure with peers.  

A community building piece to the programming is when talented local people bring their classes to the children's room.  Music, yoga, and dance were mentioned, among other options I didn't write down fast enough. I got a couple of recommendations while chatting with the librarians.  Kate DiCamillo is an author who writes FANTASTIC children's books for  middle graders. If you have children in your life you have to check out her books!   A preschool age book, Little Pea, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal was also brought to my attention and I WILL be using it in one of my preschool classes.

Before leaving the library I took a walk around the second floor balcony, taking time to appreciate the beauty.  You will see in the pictures how stunning the windows and light fixtures are along with woodwork and ironwork. The details that make the Ipswich library a comfortable and inspiring place to spend time in are amazing.  I don't think you are likely to find such craftsmanship in a newer building.

The grounds of the library, covered in autumn leaves, were also beautiful.  We followed a meandering path around the perimeter of the building.  There is a book story path where you walk and read the pages that are displayed at numbered reading stations.  

One of the librarians recommended The Choate Bridge Pub for lunch.  It was just a few steps down the hill.  True to it's name it sat right next to the historic Choate bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Massachusetts, built in 1764.  The pub was casual, had friendly staff and it was a cash only establishment.  As luck would have it, I had cash in my wallet:)

While lunch was good, once we started  exploring the surrounding area I wish we had taken it to go.  We stopped at several spots with jaw dropping scenery that would have been perfect picnic spots!!    Ipswich is a beautiful town that we have to return to.  There is a lot of nature to be explored.  

Distance traveled: 168 miles

Next up: "J"  

Hull

 

H is for Hull

Hull Public Library

9 Main Street

Hull, Massachusetts

Our approach to the Hull library was picturesque.  Not a cloud in the clear blue sky, 75 degrees, good tunes on the radio, and the Atlantic ocean glimmering in the sun.  Not making this up!  I knew it was going to be a good library adventure, but I was not prepared for how awesome this library and its employees would be!

I was accompanied by my husband Carl and his sister Karen, A.K.A. "Auntie Karen."  They grew up on the south shore where Karen still lives.  They are very familiar with Hull, Nantasket beach, World's End state park, as well as  the bars and restaurants along the beach.  We all share fond memories of Paragon Park, (an amusement park)  which for me was the highlight of my summer every year growing up!! 

The Hull library sits right smack in the middle of a beach side neighborhood.  It was once the summer home of John Boyle O'Reilly, an Irish born writer, poet and activist.  O' Reilly planted a Camperdown Elm tree on his property back in 1890. It is to be believed the oldest tree in Hull.  Today it provides a lot of shade under its twisty branches as you enter the library from the front.  The wrap-around porch is an inviting way to enter the library.  Before entering the library we spot rolling  carts full of books, all being sold for $1!  I saved the browsing of those shelves for the end.

When you enter the house.......I mean library,  you see a classic, beautiful fireplace with books displayed on the mantel as well as below where logs were once piled up. It felt like visiting a friends house.  I met Annie, one of the librarians, at the circulation desk.  Once I described my love of all things books and libraries we were off and running!  Ann was generous with her time and had 27 years worth of knowledge to share with me, Carl, and Karen.

Looking up the main staircase your eyes gravitate to the colorful stained glass window depicting palm trees.  Ann explained that the palm trees were the view that John Boyle O'Reilly had from his prison cell in Australia.  Why was he in prison!???  O'Reilly is a person definitely worth looking up. Imagine once being incarcerated and then having your "summer home" include a window with that significance.

Ann left her desk to show us the next room that included artifacts about O'Reilly's life.  He was an author and poet.  His books are on display.  The fireplace he had built is worth the trip to the Hull library!  The fireplace has tin tiles that depict Act 4, scene 1 of MacBeth.  You don't get to say that too often!  There are comfy chairs to read in as well as a computer for use.  Karen zeroed in on a bottle of wine on display.  The name of the bottle was, "19 Criminals. " Apparently this company produces pretty good wine and highlights a different "criminal" on each label.  John Boyle O'Reilly was on display on the 2014 bottle of "Red Wine."

One of my favorite touches at the Hull public library is a sign over one of the first floor doorways.

The play on words pays tribute to two influential women!  Both contributed immensely to the growth of the library.  Tommye Reede  started the Hull library foundation which does fundraising.  Hellen Weiser was the president of the "friends of the library."  It would be interesting to delve into their accomplishments.  A public library both serves and works with its patrons.  Having the support of Reede and Weiser was evidently beneficial and appreciated by the town of Hull.  Mostly I love the clever tribute of the , "Reede Weiser Room."  This story was told to me by Ellen Kane, another wonderful librarian!  Ellen was informative, friendly and proud of her library!

Ann kindly invited Brian, the director of the library to join our conversation.  Brian said one of his favorite things about the library is the "wow factor!" that hits you when you walk in the door. It  really was someone's home at one time. That  feeling remains intact as you move through the library.

While the Hull library is not huge, they make use of all their space, with yoga on the front lawn as one example that had me considering moving to Hull!  Imagine a yoga class with that view!  

We followed Brian up the staircase to the second floor where several tables full of people were enjoying a game of mahjongg.  It's not a game I am familiar with, but they all said it was like story telling and highly recommended we give it a try.  The next room had a old, rectangular table that had been treated to preserve the markings carved into its surface.  No, the carvings were not from an ancient civilization, founding fathers, or the musings of a wise old person.  Better than that, the etchings were from teenagers who used the library to "study" back in the 1980's!  It's hard to see with the glare of the photograph, but there are a lot of declarations of love on that table and scratched hearts:)  Brian gets a kick out of the older generation that find their children's names on the table, preserved for all eternity.  I wonder if any of those teenagers now remember the person they had a crush on!?  I loved the libraries reaction to a table that had been scratched up !!  They could have grumbled about "those teenagers :(".  Instead the brought it out if the attic where it had been stored, treated it for preservation and put it on display!  That alone says a lot about the spirit of the Hull library.

Speaking of spirits - the house across the street from the library had a medium come do a reading to detect ghosts.  That person told them they should really head over to the library where there was a lot of action!  Apparently the library has seven ghosts in residence!  The spirit in the basement is one you do NOT want to be locked in a room with!  Apparent anger issues down there!  Library staff report interactions with ghosts, but so far, they have left Brian alone.  I don't know if he should be relieved or insulted!?  When opening the library in the morning, finding a book knocked from its shelf is not uncommon.  They find it interesting to check the title of the book to see if some kind of message was intended.  John Boyle O'Reilly did die in that house at the age of 46.  It is undetermined if his death was suicide or accidental overdose.  On the front lawn there is a stone marker that tells the story of a British soldier dying on the property.  Just some food for thought on the ghost inhabitants.  

A second floor room  hosts art exhibits that changes monthly.  We enjoyed the art work of  a local artist/author, Liz (Grossman) Varga.  I apologize for the glare on my photograph, but you can read about her work with the Piping Plovers.  Her photography is beautiful!  

The outside of the library is simply beautiful!!  We did end our visit on the porch, under the shade of the Camperdown tree.  I purchased 5 books!  The lawn is expansive, has bench seating and the sweetest statue of children sharing a book.  That statue speaks volumes to me, pun totally intended!  What could be better than a good book?  Sharing it with a friend or family member!  This was the perfect way to say good-bye to the Hull Public Library.

On Brian' recommendation we headed up the hilly street, just past the high school.  We saw the view of the Boston skyline, just a 25 minute ferry ride to work for those Hull residence who work in the city.  Imagine how long of a car ride that would be!

Our next stop was revolutionary war historical sights high up on a hill.  The remnants of forts and stories of look out points.  A gorgeous day to view the boats in a harbor, a lighthouse, beachfront homes and an endless sky.              

Our final stop in Hull was the Red Parrot overlooking Nantasket beach.  As we sipped our , "sea breeze" cocktail we could see, hear, smell and feel the ocean breeze.  Could not have been a more perfect way to conclude our , "Library Adventure." 

Both Carl and Karen enjoyed the day and had a few comments to add:)

Carl;

"I thought it was good that they resurrected the table without fixing it.  It is a journal of the past.  A who loves who of the 80's." 

Karen:

"I loved the homey feeling of the building and the architecture. "  She was also excited that the library staff were so friendly!

Distance traveled:  74 miles

Next stop on the Library Adventure tour:  Ipswich