What Really Happened in the Library

-
Public libraries are a fabulous thing. Or they can be. Here, in Davis, the public library is a gorgeous place.

   
   
   

Open, airy, bright, inviting, with space and spaces for everyone, with books up high for tall people and cushions and books down low for the little ones, with carpeted floors so that everyone can sit down and read, with DVDs, audiobooks, this library organises classes and get-togethers for groups, with different interests.

   
This is a summarised programme of activities for just one month!


You can borrow puzzles or select a pack to work and play with with a group of kids.


You can use computers and online catalogues and microfiche machines (do those things still exist??).

   
   

There's even traditional seating for those who prefer it.

   

We went to the Mary Stephens' Library today to collect our member's cards, which we had requested online. All you need is an ID with your photo and some document that shows your address, and that gives you access to borrowing up to 50 pieces as well as discounts in museums and shows. You can do the checking out of items yourself, or can get the help of very friendly assistants.
The collection holds a large number of items (e.g. books, audiobooks, videos, etc.) in different languages and different cultures, and for all ages.

   
   
   

Very small kids have dedicated computers and at their height.

   

The library also provides all sorts of services to its community, like job searching advice, advice to immigrants or links to helplines for people who may have different kinds of problems.

 

Even the building is inviting.

 


Outside the main door, there's a piano that anyone play if willing (and it is tuned!).


And the linguist in me was pleased to see these pavestones with messages in different scripts.

     
     

I don't know what they say, but it doesn't matter, they are beautiful!
And continuing with the Art & About theme, there is art that is book-inspired within and without the Library.

   

The library receives donations, in fact, it has a dedicated door to receive donations and it has piles of books outside.

And there is a link between the library and a small bookshop in the centre of the town of Davis that sells what must be surplus donated books, the Logos Books, where you can find books for as little as $1.

I love libraries like the Mary L. Stephens Library in Davis. They do present a sharp contrast with what we consider public spaces like the park or the street, and which here seem less communal (more on that in an upcoming post).
Still, I really wish we had libraries such as this one back home. In fact, I wish they existed everywhere. The world would be a better place if they did.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

UCD - An Eyewitness Guide

-
Image
The University of California-Davis is an amazing place. It is a research university, part of the University of California network, and has been called one of the "public-ivies" in reference to the Ivy League. Many of the students here are first generation college and the range of ethnicities and origins is simply fascinating. I haven't yet counted, but in one of the graduate seminars I am attending there must be over a dozen languages spoken by the less than 15 students attending. Among its faculty there are members of all the academics of Sciences, Arts and Humanities; recipients of awards of all kinds, including the Nobel prize and many of their schools and programmes have been ranked first in the world, for those interested in what those rankings may mean! The geographical setting of the campus is no less impressive. It is a clearly demarcated terrain (you can tell when you enter from the 'outside world', i.e. the town that has grown around it) that seem...
Read more

Giving talks

-
Image
On Facebook I shared a few photos of some of the talks I gave both at UC Davis, at other universities and at various conferences, but I didn't think that was the place to share my perceptions of the experience. So here go some observations. There is a mix of levels of formality and informality that contrasts to what I have experienced in other places. On the one hand, there is formality in the punctuality when people come together for these events and how they come to be silent without been told to do so. Introductions have a level of formality but are not stuffy and detached. The style of interaction also presents quite a few differences. People are much more cautious when taking turns or asking questions, there is practically no overlap of voice and there is widespread use of hedging and clarification to ensure there is no offense. Students are politely interested in what I tell them, although I can't be sure that they can fully understand the content of the presentat...
Read more