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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). Alternatively, you could download a reader app such as Feedly and enter the URL

 https://kathyslibraryadventure.blogspot.com/

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:

Lakeville

L is for Lakeville

Lakeville Public Library

4 Precinct Street

Lakeville, Massachusetts

An easy 30 minute drive down 495 and voila, I reached my destination.  I would have driven twice that distance to get to the Lakeville Public Library!  I was accompanied by my niece Annie!

This library has space, comfort, calming color on the walls, tons of books, and a lot more.  Most impressive  was the friendly staff that spent time talking and educating us about their library.   I love touring beautiful old library buildings, but there is a lot to be said for a new library as well.  The Lakeville library is only 23 years old and it is pristine and welcoming.

We began our tour of the library at the front desk where Pami, the library assistant was very welcoming. Pami told us that patrons say that the library "is like a community center."  Popular programs that keep them coming in include children's story times,  summer concerts funded by the Lakeville Art Council,  genealogy, cribbage, a knitting group, local authors, several book clubs, and guest speakers.  They write up a monthly "Library Newsletter."  Annie and I agreed that having a paper copy of all the library has going on is a great benefit.  It is really well done, complete with pictures and all the information you need.

We were joined by Nick, a library assistant, and Jennifer, the director of the library.  The five of us chatted about books and authors.  I am always curious as to what books library employees gravitate toward.  It is a hard question to answer as everyone has a long list.  Jennifer's answer was Jane Austin.  Pami went with Edith Wharton, the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.  Nick said he didn't want to appear pretentious, but he likes Shakespeare!  He also tossed in The Lord of the Rings.

I also was given suggestions for other libraries to visit.  Nick tells us the Attleboro library has awesome technology available.  Pami raved about the Woburn library.  They added a new addition to the old library and it is beautiful the way they blended the new the old.  

They are aware of and invested in what their community needs are.  While CD's are still being checked out, especially when a new album is released, the movies seem to be less popular and may eventually need to be phased out.  Movie lovers can still watch movies at home courtesy of the library by using the "Hoopla" app.  They are looking for more space to house large print books.  As the baby boomers age, so does the demand for the large print books.  They are looking to give the teen space a facelift with a fresh coat of paint.

My niece, Annie is going into a master's program in library science.  The library director, Jennifer graduated from the same program.  She was generous with her time as she offered Annie her insight and knowledge of the school.  

Lakeville is on the SAILS library network, which includes my hometown of Mansfield.  Annie and I realized that we both entered the "Mass. Center for the Book 2026 Reading Challenge."  The challenge is to read a book each month.  The genre is posted on a calendar. Upon completion you register the book you read on line.  All dedicated readers will be invited to a party at the end of the year.  We are both determined to be on the invite list! There is also a tote bag full of books to be awarded.  Am I in competition for that prize with my niece??   You bet I am!   I was able to borrow my next "Book Reading Challenge" book at the Lakeville library.  After reading the book, I will return it to my library four miles from my home.  Library vans are crisscrossing the area returning books to their original library and delivering books requested by patrons.  I think that is a pretty cool perk of our libraries. 

We thanked Jennifer, Pami, and Nick, and set off to explore the library.  Comfortable seating and soft overhead lighting was very inviting.  We perused the rows of books, peeked in the young adult room, and stopped in the lobby to read the quotes on the wall surrounding the grandfather clock, passed more groupings of comfy chairs, and found the "book store."  The "book store" is a little room dedicated to MANY second hand books, each for sale for $1.  The funds collected help purchase museum passes as well as other fun adventures.  

The children's room is huge!  There is  a separate room that was set up for artwork.  An inviting, cozy, reading nook caught my attention.  Nothing like a special spot to read with a child.  The final room we explored was "The Great Ponds Gallery".  Each month a different art exhibit/ artists are displayed.  This month was Cultural Heritage Weaving by students from Apponequet Reginal High School.  We were impressed!!

The Lakeville Public Library is simply awesome!

"M" is my next letter.  I am off to my local library in Mansfield.

Kingston

 

K is for Kingston

Kingston Public Library

6 Green Street

Kingston, Massachusetts

Kingston

After a few months hiatus, it felt wonderful to get back into my library visiting project!!  No rhyme or reason for the delay, but I would like to blame the letter "J".  Did you know that there are no towns in Massachusetts that begin with the letter "J"?   It's a fact.  There is always Jamacia Plain, which is part of Boston, but I was not feeling a city visit.  I made the executive decision to skip the trouble making "J" and get on with it!  I may bend my rules and venture to Jefferson New Hampshire during foliage season.

Off I went with my husband Carl as my co-pilot on sunny Tuesday in early September.  In a quick 45 minutes we pulled into the Kingston Public Library.  Having done some research I knew the building itself was a bland former AT&T switching station.  The original library, built in 1898 is a beautiful building, built in the colonial revival style. It sits right across the street and houses local history collections and serves as a public meeting space.  The neighborhood is charming, coastal, and historic.

What personality the building may lack is more than made up for by the interior!  First of all, the person at the front desk was the library director himself, Donald Colon.  He appeared to have all the time in the world to talk books, library programs, trends, and a book recommendation as well!  He has worked in libraries for 40 years and obviously loves his career choice.  On this day they were a little  short staffed which allowed Donald the chance to work the front desk, which made him very happy. I loved Donald's confidence as he told me, "This is the library that will put you on the map!"

Donald told us that the Kingston library receives rave reviews on their customer service.  For this reason, they choose not to have a self checkout option.  Interacting with patrons is important to them and they do not want to sacrifice personal interaction with technology.  

Like many libraries they have a "Library of Things."  There are  many useful and fun items to borrow.  Among the most popular are the oversized lawn games, folding chairs, tents, and canopies.  These things are great for backyard celebrations and really help a party budget!

While chatting at the circulation desk a woman came in to renew two books so her husband could read them.  I asked her if Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown, one of the books she renewed, was as good as I had heard.  Her reply was simply, "unimaginable suffering."  They emotion behind her answer told me that it is a book worth exploring.

Funny enough, Carl and I also got recommendations from an enthusiastic book lover who happened be hanging around the desk, just like us.  His name was Mikey and his favorite genre is "short horror".  He recommends Joe Hill, who happens to be Stephen Kings son.  The titles he raved about include 20th Century Ghost, Pop Art, and Voluntary Commitment.  Mikey was passionate, knowledgeable, very descriptive, and fun to listen to.  Come to find out, he was there to repair the electric sign out front.  

The library has a stunning courtyard in the middle of the library space.  The library surrounds the courtyard, offering a view of nature at every turn.  The outdoor space is often used for S.T.E.M. and art projects as well a relaxing spot to read.

We walked down a wide hallway that serves as an art museum.  The  "Art Gallery" is where individual artist and groups of artists have their work displayed.  They submit a request and eventually their art is hung for all to enjoy!  This month's artists were from the Plymouth active Living Center.  The talent displayed on the wall was amazing!!!

Two small rooms caught my attention.  The library book store, where you could purchase a book for a buck was well stocked.  The "Community Craft & Puzzle Swap" room was something I had not seen before! Imagine picking up something you needed or didn't know you needed for an art project, for free!?  A perfect spot to recycle odds and ends you don't use and have them become another artists inspiration.

Off to my favorite spot in a library.  The CHILDREN'S room!  This room had the Lego Club's creations on display, as well as comfortable chairs for children and adults.  There was also a separate room set aside for just playing with toys!  Imagine that:)  

I chatted with Gayle, a library employee who serves the library in many roles.  She was a great story teller.  Listening to Gayle's stories, told with pride, gave me a good sense of how big a role the Kingston library plays in the town.  The Silver Lake Regional High School students complete 40 hours of volunteer work over four years.  The library is a great place for those students to volunteer. The library and public schools have a cooperative relationship.  Gayle said the teen room is a busy spot.  They see some of those same teenagers return later in life  as they become parents and introduce their children to the library.

Gayle describes the library as more of a community center, especially since the pandemic.  She told me that people realized that they need other people!  Programs that have the people streaming in are author talks, sewing class, and crafting and story times!  The children's room also has Lego, Minecraft, and Pokemon clubs!

They are lucky to have a Foundation that fundraises money for the library.  An event called, "Libreweries" was being advertised the day we visited.  Imagine and outdoor event that includes books and beer?  Apparently, it's a successful fund raiser!!

I left the Kingston Library with a strong sense of awe at how the space was organized, decorated and used.  I could tell that Kingston is a town that values and supports its library:).

A short drive brought us to Grey's Beach Park.  An ocean front park with a small beach area, children's playground, a grassy picnic area, and a pickleball court nestled in a neighborhood.  

Taking the back roads home, we pulled into  the 550 Tavern in Halifax.  A comfy, casual spot for lunch.  While waiting for our food we invited a woman to join us as she was seated by herself.  I have never done this before and I am so glad I did!  Her name was Jan and she was from the same town as Carl and the old stories were flying!  Jan was great company, had stories to tell, and listened to our story of visiting libraries.  We told her we would e-mail her when I put the Kingston library post up.  Kind of embarrassing as that was six months ago.  We'll see if she remembers the crazy library people;)

Next letter is , "L", which will be bring me to Lakeville.

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"