On September 15, I attended the 4th annual New Hampshire Poetry Festival. The first three years it was held in downtown Manchester, this year it moved to New England College in Henniker. During the lunch break I took a walk in the picturesque little town. In typical "busman's holiday" form, I visited the local public library. (For those who don't know, I've been a public librarian in NH for 32 years.)
The Tucker Free Library, built in 1903, has typical classical lines. A look inside, though, was breathtaking. The well-preserved architectural details, and displays of town history, had me snapping photos with my iPhone. The woman at the front desk (whose name I neglected to get) answered my questions patiently, for which I am grateful.
Here are more photos, two of which I've enhanced with cherita. Enjoy!
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
texting...
aware of her friends
who are miles away
totally unaware
that at any time
the sky could fall
Even the screen doors are a delight!
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Text:
sun-kissed Saturday afternoon
Winnie-the-Pooh
ponders the lack of readers
the children's librarian
sighs and counts the minutes
'til closing
The cherita above was written as if I were sitting in the children's room--it is no reflection on the young woman who worked in the children's room that day.
The happily retired Jone is hosting the Poetry Friday Round-Up at Deowriter.
No matter the enthusiasm, I can imagine the librarian counting the minutes if it was quiet. Love reading about your visit, the columns & Winnie-the-Pooh! That sky falling possibility seems more real than ever.
ReplyDeleteYes, the sky is slipping, if not falling. Then what happens?
DeleteThese are both wonderful–I love your
ReplyDelete"totally unaware
that at any time
the sky could fall"
but I hope our sky doesn't fall, not quite yet at least.
Poor Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore– hope some kids drop by soon, thanks Diane!
Pooh and friends on a shelf were a completely unexpected surprise. If I were a kid, I'd make sure to drop by to check up on them.
DeleteWow - what a library! Thanks for giving us a glimpse.
ReplyDeleteDiane, you had me at that falling sky! xo
DeleteSally, I'm always happy to share my finds.
DeleteIrene, that line was so obvious a choice two weeks ago, and even more so this week!
DeleteThank you for sharing a beautiful public library, Diane. I liked both of your cheritas but felt sad after reading #2. #BooksMatter
ReplyDelete#2 wasn't intended as sad, merely wistful. Having to spend the day indoors, in a basement room, when the weather is glorious, brings on a feeling of "poor me." Something Eeyore surely knows.
DeleteOf COURSE you visited the library -- and what a treat you found! (One of the things I was most anxious to see when we were in Germany was my "sister's" school!!)
ReplyDeleteBesides curiosity, in an unfamiliar town, your best bet for a clean restroom is the public library! And, as happened to me this week when I got sucked into the Senate hearing, if one is in need of a WiFi connection--there's the library!
DeleteThanks for sharing your library visit. Of course I love hearing about Pooh. Enjoyed your poems and pics. :)
ReplyDeleteThe stuffed Pooh and friends are obviously very old and I wondered if there was a story behind them, but the girl in the children's room didn't know. :-(
DeleteOh, I do the same thing, I'm always visiting libraries when I'm on holiday! It's so interesting to see how different libraries can be in different places, yet visiting them always feels so familiar and comforting. :)
ReplyDeleteI was in a tiny old library on Thursday, that despite its obsolete collection, could offer me WiFi and conversation on a contemporary topic. Indeed, I was comforted.
DeleteDoesn't everyone seek out a library while on vacation? In addition to charming public libraries, I love to chance upon one of the Little Free Libraries scattered in the most surprising places. I can see from your photos why you wanted to snap away! Your cherita are as charming as the photos.
ReplyDeleteIf everyone doesn't seek out libraries, they should--no two libraries are alike--from collections to decorations to buildings.
DeleteI love that you visited the library. I always like to do that whenever I can, too! And I love your poems.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ruth! And keep visiting those libraries.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the event, Diane - didn't realize you were in the neighborhood! I had considered going, since you told me about it last year, but I just couldn't swing the cost, considering I'm heading to Honesdale, PA in a couple weeks.
ReplyDeleteHave fun in Honesdale and please share what you learn.
DeleteAh that falling sky... somehow it got me thinking of the Good Place (Do you watch that? If so, when Chedi is saved from the sky falling!)
ReplyDeleteI haven't had a working tv in years. I watch a little bit on my desktop, but not much. I'll check and see if we have the Good Place at the library. I'll occasionally binge watch a few seasons of a series.
DeleteOoooh - thank you for taking us along on your visit. Beautiful building, and your pictures and poems are the perfect introduction.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how well preserved it is (or perhaps recently restored).
DeleteGreat building- perfect for inspiring your excellent poems.
ReplyDeleteThe tin ceilings have so many different patterns--I was amazed.
DeleteI'm quite taken by the perspective in both of these poems—the voice of the poems and also the artistry of the photographs. I do tend to wonder how many phone-bound visitors miss that beautiful slice of sky. And oh, that adorable pondering Pooh bear!
ReplyDeleteI'm of two minds about the phones. They are undeniably addictive and yet, the camera comes in handy!
DeleteOoh, I need to visit. I loved the texting cherita.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd really enjoy the architecture!
Delete