G is for Groton
Groton Public Library
The first thing you notice when approaching the Groton public library is the engraved message on the stone entry way. "OPEN TO ALL". That simple sentence set the tone for the visit. This library feels like home. A very interesting, creative, friendly, welcoming, and energetic home!
My friend Cindy accompanied me to Groton. As always we had a lot of fun, some good food, lots of conversation, a few laughs, and we saw new and interesting sights. Uncharacteristically, we did NOT get lost. We might have made one wrong turn, but always knew where we were!
Our first stop was the children's room on the first floor. Just inside the door, Lizzy, a library assistant, was at the circulation desk. Lizzy is a young woman who loves her job and it shows! She shared stories with us about the children's room that illustrated just how lucky the people of Groton are to have this space. People often assume that summer is a slow time for the library. Lizzy tells them that it is the opposite! The children's room is especially busy in the summer months. It's easy to see why. She explained that it gives children the opportunity to explore and experience things they otherwise may not be able to. "It becomes a third space for them. They don't have to be here for a reason or spend any money." Lizzy says that she is a "billboard for the library!" I love this quote from Lizzy , "It gives children access to the world!"
Patrons refer to the library as a "gem." Not only is the children's room bright, colorful and interesting, the staff are friendly! A set of grandparents with two young children approached the desk. A girl of about 7 years old asked if there were any books about Taylor Swift. Lizzy found that all the T. Swift books were out. Not only that, but they didn't have their library card with them. Not a problem. Lizzy located their information on the computer and promised to notify them when the desired book was available. The girl was thrilled! Is was a sweet exchange between child and librarian. I bet that girl will be a life long patron of libraries.
They offer programs for kids that include not only reading, but food, art, and drumming! Gone are the days of "shushing" kids in the library. Now they are encouraged to bang on the drums!! Families can also check out "Hot Spots" - portable wi-fi stations! These are great for camping trips, which is pretty cool. The 3D printer is vert popular as well. Cindy and I are both preschool teachers and enjoyed talking books and authors with Lizzy. Among her favorite children's authors are Mo Willems and Jory John. We happen to agree 100% with those author choices! An adult, non fiction author that Lizzy recommends is Margaret Renkl. I looked her up when I got home and will definitely be trying out one of her books.
Before going upstairs we crossed the children's room to check out the mural on the opposite wall. I am so glad we did!! We met Ben, a second library assistant sitting at the "reading table." Ben is a recent high school graduate who started at the library as a shelver. He was as engaging and eager to share his knowledge as Lizzy. One of Ben's jobs was to check in the children's books that they had read and offer them the prizes they earn throughout the summer. The kids have choices of which prize to choose which I think is brilliant and so child centered. The prizes are arranged by age groups. They are interactive and built by the children as they read more books. The older kids get to make a badge using a really cool stamper, embosser type of tool. Ben was nice enough to indulge our curiosity and enthusiasm over the project and tool and let us make our own badges:)
The mural that caught our attention was amazing. A full wall of art work that had items of interested from a lot of children's literature. It was a visual treasure hunt. We left the children's room feeling both happy and grateful to the two librarians who are both wonderful ambassadors, or as Lizzy would put it, "billboards" for the Groton public library.
The second floor didn't disappoint! We started in the art gallery where exhibits are displayed. We were awed by the photography of Pam Boivin. Her exhibit was titled, "Spirit of America." Her photographs were on canvas and, to me, took on the impression of a painting. I don't know a lot about photography, but I do appreciate beauty, and these photographs were special. Just outside the art gallery we stopped to ponder a silhouette of a tree painted on the wall. Little hooks were scattered all over the tree. Hmmmm.......wonder what they do with this???
We got our answer at the circulation desk from Erica. Another welcoming and personable library staff member willing to share stories with us. The tree will display the submissions from the "RECYCLED Tiny Art Show." All ages are welcome to submit a 4x4 inch cardboard canvas, decorated any way they choose. The only stipulation is that all materials must be recycled. Patrons have until August 17 to submit their masterpieces. I may just have to return to see the creations.
Erica explained that the library is ever changing. They adapt to the needs of the community and the staff. The town of Groton supports their library! They recently had a great response to their survey from the people of Groton. They are one of 36 libraries in the Merrimack Valley consortium. The library is one of the town's cooling stations.
Just like the children, adults of Groton have a reading challenge WITH prizes!!! Recent popular titles include The Women by Kristen Hannah, Elin Hilderbrand's final novel set in Nantucket, and the Mazy Dobbs series. The adult programs that bring in the crowds include food, travel, reenactors, and musicians.
Erica is proud of the libraries huge DVD collection. Yes. People do still take the DVD movies out of the library. A round table with a sign, "Reading Challenge 2024-July" was full of books by authors born outside of the United States. The unique ideas in this library make me smile:)
Teenagers have their own vibrantly decorated and dedicated room! Ben told us that they do show up! A recent movie night had 30 teens in attendance. I believe they were even allowed to bring in their own pizza!
Cindy and I had entered the library through the back entrance, which was part of a huge renovation/addition in 1999. Lizzy suggested we exit through the front, original entryway. This way we got to see what the view of the Groton library on Main Street must have looked like over 100 years ago. The view of the library from Main street is one of a vintage, beautiful, charming library built in 1893. You would never guess how spectacular and spacious the library is until you drive to the back parking lot. It has all the modern updates while maintaining the charm of it's original building.
We left the library so impressed and happy! On to discover something cool about the town of Groton itself. A little research before going to Groton had us looking for a castle and a restaurant in a barn. Erica (the librarian) had told us that the Bancroft castle we were curious about was once an asylum, where people were told they would "recuperate their health." We attempted to drive up to the castle and enjoy the view from the top of a hill. Big surprise for us. The only way up the steep hill was to walk it!! The good news was the parking lot at the base of the hill was at Gibbet Hill Grill, the restaurant we were looking for! This place is beautiful!!!
We sat at a high top table near the bar with a view of the surrounding hills and another red barn where events take place. More super friendly people! The hostess brought over two books which showcased the 73 species of birds at Gibbet Hills. She had more stories about the Bancroft castle on top of the hill. The food was wonderful and we WILL return! Did we contemplate climbing the hill after splitting a delicious chicken caprese sandwich??? For a minute, but then decided we would return in the cooler weather to accomplish that. It was a hot and humid day! Look closely at the picture of all the cows seeking shade under the one tree on the hill.
What a great Library Adventure! Cindy is a fun person to go exploring with. She found a beautiful children's book about trees that I think both of us will purchase. A quote from Cindy:
"It was clear from the get go that this place had something for everyone; from the bustling children's library to the revolving art gallery and extensive collection of DVD's; not to mention the most hospitable staff!!! Every corner and each new level sparked quiet curiosity and a glimpse into the past of this treasured landmark."
Miles traveled: 116 miles
Next up: Hull
No comments:
Post a Comment