Notes from my visit:
- First thought: I was impressed by how much free public parking was available! A parking garage was located next to the library (and City Hall) plus ample street parking.
- The building was bright and fresh looking! The color scheme: white and royal blue, made me think of a Vera Bradley pattern -- Mediterranean White.
- Two-stories with library administration, the adult and special collections housed upstairs.
- At the time of my visit, the children's department had a craft going and it was quite busy!
- The library has separate areas for tweens and teens. Loved this idea.
- The Helen M. Nelson Heritage Room houses the library's special collections and is available to the public by permission. I've included a few pictures of this room in the slideshow embedded below.
- Very active Friends of the Library group with an on-site store that raises around $700-800 a month. Book sales are even at the Farmer's Market.
- While visiting, I purchased an Everyman's Library edition of Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison that looked to be brand new!
- The library has a centralized phone system which does not route directly to the circulation desk -- everyone (including the director) takes a turn running it.
- Morning briefings help keep everyone in the know.
- Ample staff areas for behind-the-scenes work. I especially loved the children's programming area with workbenches and storage totes.
- The library has a very rich history and in a variety of different locations -- lots of moving around, but yet continually serving the Oceanside community.
- While touring, I was introduced to Mayra Turchiano, Children's Department, and Monica Chapa-Domercq, Principal Librarian. Thoroughly enjoyed chatting with them!
Slideshow:
