I took my friend (who doesn't get out much and needs to have a quiet retreat space) to the library today.
I FORGOT HOW RAD THE LIBRARY IS.
-My library has private rooms with locking doors that you check out with your library card and then have keycard access to.
-These rooms are made of plexiglass for Obvious Reasons, but still. Rooms.
-I checked out a Lounge space and, guys, it's a balcony.
-It's over the main entrance to the library so you can see everyone coming in and out. The door locks so it's private, but it's also open air to the tall ceilings and has SO MUCH natural light.
-literally so much natural light the one exterior wall is floor-to-ceiling windows with a view over a fountain and a courtyard and the local shopping district. the sunset was rad.
-My laptop connected directly to the WiFi.
-There were so many people there! There are chairs spread throughout and a bunch of computers and people just chilled and hung out!
-My friend was thrilled to be able to navigate a quiet space with strangers who didn't speak to her, and then to have a retreat space.
-My library also has a Makerspace (!!!) and a Cricut machine (!!!) and I can email someone and get trained in how to use it!
-Someone was in the recording booth and I couldn't tell what she was reading but it sounded cool.
-There's a whole room along the side of the upstairs that's just for teens. Like literally just. The sign says that if you're not a teenager you should see the staff for other rooms. There wasn't anyone there when I stuck my head in but there's a giant whiteboard and orb-style chairs and
-sorry I forgot to mention that my balcony has not only a couch but also several big comfy chairs (like, I can sit on my chair and put my feet on it too and balance my book on my knees and it's STILL not too small of a chair) and a couple coffee tables and a corner where the sunlight isn't direct y'all it's so nice
-I'm so glad my tax dollars went to this, guys. We're stuck on campus for Thanksgiving break and we desperately needed to go somewhere that didn't cost money.
-for as much as I get on about the necessity of Third Spaces, you think I'd remember this.
-I also found out my friend likes Agatha Christie novels. She read me a section while I washed dishes tonight, and I think I'm gonna like them too.
