I chose this branch because they had a copy of the book I wanted. I knew they had it because I checked the website before I went over there. You don't have to guess, then find out when you get there that they don't have it or someone checked it out. I love that. Plus the librarians were extremely friendly and helpful. It was a convenient, snappy visit.
There's a lot to love about any library. (I like inconvenient, dusty, slow-poke libraries as much as I do snappy ones.) The Pasadena and Glendale systems enhance each other by being one big system, at least in effect. I can use my Pasadena library card to check books out of the Glendale library. I can return a book I checked out in Glendale by taking it to a Pasadena branch, and vice versa. And if I can't get to Glendale to pick up a book they have, they'll deliver it to the Pasadena branch of my choice.
All of that's paid for with my tax money. It's a pretty good deal.
17 comments:
My middle daughter lives at the library in S.Monica... and I can see why, it is huge!... That is one trait she picked up from her Dad... I hate to say this, its been years since I was in one ... the good books seemed to be always scarfed up by others....I use to love the fact I could pick an aisle and just sit and read. In the meantime, Amazon and I are friends and yes, my shelves are like the library...
So glad to see that your library system is alive and well. Right now our county commissioners are trying to balance a budget shortfall on the spines of our libraries. Happily, the proposal produced quite and uproar and they are now looking for other places to cut. But the library will still take a hit. Arts and education always on the chopping block.
You're very adventurous, heading across the border into Glendale. I have no idea where the Pacific Park Branch is, but I like the architecture and colors. Our libraries are amazing. I asked for Bleak House as an audio book, and they purchased it (and I got first go). I'm also a member of the excellent South Pasadena library, which has a real feel of community.
When I was 8 and 9, I tried to spend my breaks in the school library, but was often thrown out and told to play outdoors.
This one's snappy alright! I like the way you composed this with the flag poles and shadows too my dear.
V
Get over to the library, Kalei! Amazon doesn't need any more money. Though maybe you need more books? If so, perhaps you've got a local independent store. Also, lots of libraries sell books (for a buck or two) in their library stores.
There were cuts at our libraries, too, Bayside. Most of them are no longer open seven days, which is too bad. This one, I noticed, was only open 2-6 yesterday. But they're still wonderful places with great staff.
I know, Bellis! All the way to Glendale! I'm intrepid. Strange and sad that you were kicked out of a library as a little one.
Thank you, V!
I wanted to add this link: an article I wrote about the South Pasadena library which, as Bellis says, is a terrific place. The building is historical (a Carnegie library) and the library is much-loved. They also have an excellent book store.
http://southpasadena.patch.com/articles/rooted-in-reading
This picture really reminds me of the one I posted today ! funny coincidence..
greetings from brussels
anni
It's very exiting to find this pasadenadailyphoto.blogspot.com blog. You sure can write and teach and inspire. Keep writing - I'll keep reading.
Altadena isn't hooked up, which is a pity. I really enjoy the library and the people who work there (librarians are some of my favorite people) but their book collection is less than stellar.
Anni, thank you. Check out Anni's pictures of the beach. Ahhhhh....
Karin, two libraries in Altadena, right? I've checked out books there (I have an Altadena card) and I really like the main library. I've even run into you there. It would be nice to coordinate systems--probably not possible as long as Altadena is part of LA County?
I'm not a big fan of this library on esthetic terms. If memory serves me, it's kind of a shadeless environment. I do recall a PA mobile in the front entrance that caught my attention.
My grandma was a librarian with LA County for 52 years!!! I had the benefits of a library without having to go in...though I must admit I spent a fair amount of time in them while in school...
As for Amazon and the independent book stores...I try to support the independent store up here but recently purchased two books about Lightroom and ended up spending about 20$ per book more than if I'd ordered at Amazon! I do still buy paperback novels at our store, but when it comes to Photography books...I'm still ordering from Amazon!!!
The plaza is indeed shadeless for the most part, PA. There's a bit of it just to the right of my picture. While I was there, folks visited with a food vendor at her cart in the shade.
I see what you mean, Chieftess. It's easy for me, being in the LA area, because we really have our pick around here--not to mention Pasadena has Vroman's.
What my kids describe as "Mom's love affair with the printed word" began at the Hill Avenue Branch, the oldest branch in the Pasadena Public Library system (Central came later). It is still charming, and much of the furniture, bookshelves (stacks) and the front desk are original. As is the sort of greenish finish the oak has been given.
I use the online library system because I love having a list of books for future exploration, plus the ability to place a Hold on a book, requesting the book to be delivered to the easiest branch for me to access, dear little Hastings.
I used to love the charming old Ocean Park Library out by the ocean near my (then) high-rise condo home. Later the small Hermosa Beach Library was fun - they still had patrons sign a card for the book, and still had a card catalog. And it wasn't that long ago.
I will wind this up in order to conserve Petrea's bandwidth....but get yourself to the library, go online, do whatever it takes.
Happy reading, Betsy
Ok. What'd you check out? Is it good?
I like how you've been promoting the libraries in your community. Happy reading!
Looks like a picture-perfect day with the flags against the deep blue.
Sherman Alexie, Margaret. "The Absolute True Diary of a Part-time Indian." I haven't started it yet.
http://www.fallsapart.com/the_absolutely_true_diary_of_a_part_time_indian/
Ms. M, I love libraries. To tell the truth, I also love to own books and when I'm a millionaire I'll buy them as often as I check them out. I like to support the authors when I can.
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