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National Library Week 2024: April 10th

Your Favorite Library

"The C.E. Weldon Public Library was my hometown, childhood library. It’s a historic post office building, so the inside was very interesting with lots of nooks and crannies. It was my first library, and I spent many summers there in the children’s reading program. It’s where I fell in love with books, reading, and libraries." -Ashley Harris 

"My favorite library is my elementary-middle school library. There were no restrictions on what you could check out as a child like there are now. There were no levels to be concerned with, and the librarian let me check out books that were far above my level. I got to explore books that I would not have had the opportunity to do so in this time. I became a librarian helper I was in that library so much, and got to recommend books to others. I loved it. " - Crystal Martin

"This is the main library for Kanawha County in Charleston, WV. I really appreciate libraries that are both beautiful and practical. This building was completely renovated 2 years ago, but they fortunately kept much of the 19th century architecture. The inside is clean and modern, with lots of cozy spots to read or work. The layout is easily navigable, and it has just about every section you can imagine, as I think all public libraries should :) They also have a cafe attached (the more modern-looking section of building you see in this picture). It's truly a wonderful place and I try to visit as often as I can!" -Manda Lueders

"I Love the Biltmore Library due to the number of books, the beautiful wood, and the two story shelves. But most especially for the sliding ladder! I've always wanted a personal library just like it.

"This was my first library. I remember this as the place where I started figuring out how to access information." -John Hope

"The old Atmore, Alabama public library was across the street from my Grandma's back yard. When we went to visit her there was always time to run across the street to read or check out books for the day or the week. Before I was born, she was the librarian there for several years. She was also an artist. She painted and drew, but her main medium was driftwood. She carved beautiful birds ranging from quail to eagles and herons to tiny finches. Today, in the newer Atmore library there is a display of some of her art and birds as a memorial to her time as the librarian and her contributions to the art community. But running from her back porch across the street into the doors of that little library is forever engrained in my mind." -Elizabeth Kennington

"The Library of Congress: Jefferson's Library. When I was a kid, I found out I was related to Thomas Jefferson through the grapevine. I started looking into his life and since I was fascinated with books, I stumbled upon his library at The Library of Congress. I found it amazing and beautiful. The architecture of this building is absolutely amazing. Since then, I have been fascinated with really cool libraries, but this has to be my favorite as it is so special, and I was mesmerized by its beauty." - LeeAnn Callister

"Last year I highlighted my local library where I grew up, and this time I am highlighting Hosmer Library in Minneapolis, MN. The library opened in 1916 and was the last of four Carnegie-funded libraries built in Minneapolis and is now registered as a historical place. The building is gorgeous! There is this wooden archway when you enter the special collections area that makes you feel like you are on a quest to find a hidden artifact. Something they offer now is a seed library with the goal of encouraging people to grow their own food – pretty cool!" - Jacqueline Beverly

"It is the oldest library in Ireland and well-known from appearing in many movies/TV shows. It is just amazing to be standing in that library and you are overcome with all of the books there and the history in which you are in the middle. Plus, it houses the Book of Kells. It just is amazing!" - Rene Herron

"May Memorial Library, Burlington, North Carolina - Of all of the places I've lived and of all of the libraries I've visited, this is my favorite. May Memorial has a great selection of books in all kinds of genres and nice spaces to sit and read. Their programming is top-notch as well. My children and I spent a lot of time there when they were small." Laura Rhoden

"During my college years, I had the opportunity to study abroad, visiting Ireland, Scotland, and England. I was utterly mesmerized by the numerous beautiful libraries I encountered, ranging from the Old Library at Trinity College in Dublin to Sir Walter Scott’s private library. Never before had I seen a private library quite like Sir Walter Scott's, and I remember the sense of bliss the room evoked in me. As I continued to travel in the subsequent years, a memory from Angkor Wat in Cambodia surfaced. I recall someone indicating the location of the library within the ancient temple complex. Without a second thought, I immediately headed towards it, intrigued by the prospect of discovering its interior." Jennifer Steinford

"The Vatican Library. I have never been there but it is on my bucket list to visit. Hold the oldest known bible. Just the architecture alone would be nice to gaze upon." - Janille Candelario