Danvers

 

D is for Danvers

Peabody Institute Library of Danvers

15 Sylvan Street

Danvers, Massachusetts

I chose Danvers for the letter "D" as I don't have much experience with the  north shore,  Danvers was just a highway sign I noticed on the way to New Hampshire.  My side-kick on this visit was once again my husband Carl. (He was a little put out that he missed both, "B" and "C".)  

Once off route 128 we saw the usual array of fast food restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores.  Within minutes, a series of turns took us back to the 1800's.  The view as you approach the library is beautiful.  The library is impressive, the grounds include a pavilion and a pond and the neighborhood is charming.

Even before entering the front door, we noticed the cement checkers table, benches by the pond, and a funky statue by the front door.

Upon entering we were welcomed by the sound of a ringing bell.  A very LOUD bell!  We were wondering what that was about. It turns out, a librarian hides a stuffed spider in a different spot each day.  The pay off for locating the spider is being able to ring that old fashioned hand bell. A mom and her four children were having a blast finding the hidden spider.  I know my kids would have loved that tradition!  

Jenny and Jeff at the main desk took time to give us the lay out of the four story library building.  That same loud bell is rung shortly before closing time and the sound reaches all four floors.  Jeff told us a lot about the libraries patron, George Peabody.  Quite an impressive man!  Even though he moved to England he still returned to Massachusetts to visit and share his wealth.  

On the first floor we found a cozy "phone booth" - a tiny little room for making a phone call without disturbing others.  Very different from the space age phone pod I saw in Cambridge.  Heading to the upper floors, we chose taking the stairs over the elevator, although the elevator did have a sign warning of a possible ghost residing on the third floor.  On the staircase and upper floors, the details on the large windows over looking the pond are stunning.  

The upper floors were quiet on this Wednesday morning.  I was intrigued with the shelves of book club picks. There were several copies of each book chosen to be appropriate for book clubs.  I am in a book club and know that picking a great book that you hope everyone will enjoy can be daunting.   I took photos of the books just for fun.  Take a look and see if you recognize any titles.  Do you agree?  Are these books book club worthy?  It sure would be convenient for everyone in your book club to get a copy at their local library! 

Wow!  The basement level of the library is where the excitement was waiting for me!  The large children's room has a wall of windows making is bright and sunny.  You can see their children's garden, a tree, and benches for reading outside. :)  Amy, the children's librarian was friendly, informative, and fun to talk with.   An amazing mural had recently been completed.  The characters in the (stunning) mural were taken from stories from all over the world.  Amy had the books that inspired the art work out for viewing.  We had fun matching up the books to the pictures.  One of the books represented in the mural is by Grace Lin.  This is the author Amy recommended when I asked her for a favorite author.  I have the book, Big Mooncake for Little Star on my children's book shelf at home, by Grace Lin.  The fact that she lives in Massachusetts is a bonus.  Her illustrations are simply amazing!  

   

 

It seems that Lego building clubs are popular at libraries.  The Danvers library has a multi-generational Lego club, as one grandfather asked if he could build too.  I love that story.  You are never too old to play!  Hanging by the window is a large red, impressive Lego cardinal.  The cardinal was created in memory of a beloved library employee who championed the popular Lego club.  The name of the local artist, Rob Surette, who was commissioned to create the Cardinal, sounded familiar.  I knew the name from stories over the years.  One call to my 90 year old mother confirmed that yes, Rob Surette is my second cousin.  I love a good, "small world" story.

Our last stop was the archive room next to the children's space.  If you are a history buff interested in the Revolutionary war and/or the Salem Witch Trials, this is the place for you!!  The archivist who has spent over 50 years collecting items was not in the day we visited.  His assistant showed us around and answered our questions.  I realized I know very little about the Witch trials and will be reading one of the books I saw on their shelf.  

 

We took a walk around the outside of the library.  I could see myself reading on the expansive lawn by the pond and attending some of the concerts they have at the pavilion.  The letter,"D" did not disappoint! 

    

Our attempt to have lunch from a local sandwich shop and find Danvers famous pear tree were both a fiasco with lots of laughs!!!  That story is for an in person conversation.  

Miles traveled that day:  58  

A  B  C  D.......Easton is next:)