Last week, I blogged about the #4CLSroadtrip, a summer event our library system here in the Southern Tier of New York is holding. They are encouraging us in the four county area our library system services to visit as many of the 42 libraries as we can. We can also win small prizes.
I have visited 10 libraries so far, including nine out of ten in the county I live in. (Up to the time of the road trip, I had only been to four). Many of our four county system libraries are in small villages/towns, and I am finding that is one of the many joys of this summer quest.
It can be a bit of a challenge, though, because some of the libraries have only limited hours, and if you work traditional Monday through Friday hours (I don't), this road trip becomes more of a challenge. But, through Facebook, I know that a number of people have already completed the entire road trip.
I don't think I will be one of them, but one never knows.
Today, I want to take you to the Bainbridge Free Library, chartered in 1908. It is the oldest library in Chenango County.
Bainbridge (population 1269) was established in 1786. If you've ever used Elmer's Glue, you have a connection of sorts with Bainbridge.
This is a true storefront library. I took this picture back in 2017. The library is third from the left.
The day we visited, a small school or day camp group preceded us. There were two librarians in this small space, but they handled the small group (and inquisitive us!) with ease.
One of many challenges these libraries face, besides funding, is the limited space. There is so much demand for their services, including computers and printers for people who do not have internet access at home. Many of the libraries keep collections of large print books for their elderly patrons. These books are expensive.
The children's area, with an interesting lamp. No, I didn't ask about it.
I never did ask about this clock, either. The librarians were busy with patrons. Perhaps another time.
Hopefully, I'll have another road trip library post next week.
Libraries are cherished, exalted places and every time a community loses one it is an occasion for serious grief. I hope you manage to complete the tour.
ReplyDelete...I've never made it to Bainbridge.
ReplyDeleteWow … it’s like a time capsule.
ReplyDeleteI love both the architecture and the historic feel of some of the pieces you found inside the library, it almost feels like you're stepping back in time.
ReplyDeleteThis one still has an old timey feel. Love it.
ReplyDeleteBack in the late 1980's our local library needed to rebuild, from the ground up. It is what happens when you build on the cheap in a wetland. Anyway, one of our elected officials was up in arms saying it was a waste of money as books will be a thing of the past and folks will just read online. Proof that we do NOT elect the best and brightest.
ReplyDeleteI love the look, feel, and even smell of an old library. They're like holy places.
ReplyDeleteThat is such an old fashioned library! Things are so much older back there. Plus, my branches were all built (or remodeled to seen new) since 2000, when a bond measure passed. Then, in 2007 another measure failed, and the libraries had to close! I wasn't living here then, but it was the largest library closure in the history of the U.S. Not a great thing to be known for. Since I've been here we had to vote to form a library district to oversee things. That's how it is, vote for $39 million for the buildings, then vote against funding to keep them open.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised a town that small even has a library. Maybe it serves nearby rural areas? I do use Elmer's!
I LOVE LIBRARIES!!! What an awesome idea for a road trip!
ReplyDeleteThe libraries photos are social landscape!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this visit. It is always interesting and fun to learn more about libraries.
ReplyDeleteHow fun. Too bad the librarians were busy, but at least you got a chance to look around (and get out and about).
ReplyDeleteIt is critical for small towns to have library resources to ensure knowledge snd opportunity are available, regardless of where one resides.
ReplyDeleteOf course I love this post! It's hard to calculate the number of hours I spent in those rooms as child! The theater next door was constructed and opened when I was in high school. I had some small part in that, volunteering to do some little bit of painting or some such right before it opened. Bainbridge was also home to the now defunct Jennison power plant (some funky stuff entered the Susquehanna near there!) and a Blue Seal Mill, both along the stretch of Rt 7 west of town. I hope you visited Frog Pond Farms before you left. I grew up very close to its location, though it wasn't there at that time. Thanks for indulging my little trip down Memory Lane, Alana!
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