Library Visit: Manchester Community Library, Vermont

I’m in Manchester, VT this weekend for Booktopia (a weekend full of authors and readers, created by Books on the Nightstand and now hosted by the Northshire Bookstore). 

The first year I came up from Connecticut for Booktopia, four years ago, the new library was under construction. The second year my time didn’t jibe with the library’s open hours, but the third year–last year–I finally made it inside. It’s taken me a full year to get this post up, but better late than never and I’m here again, so it’s a perfect time.

 

Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
This way to the library! I know I’m not the only one who gets excited when she sees this sign.

 

Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
The modern design reflects the clean lines of traditional Vermont architecture.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Small windows adjacent to the large window in the photo above. The children’s section is along this side of the library.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
There is SO MUCH marble in Manchester. The front of the library features a marble walkway and marble benches.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
A view of the whole library.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
The front entrance.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
The foyer. Comfy seating and a cafe. To the right is a large community room, bathrooms, and access to the lower level. Straight ahead is the help desk and just to the left of that are doors to the children’s section.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Helpdesk, circulation, and new book displays.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
The Loft – a  dedicated space for middle schoolers.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Work tables in the stacks.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Comfy seating in the stacks.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Cather on the shelf.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
I appreciate the clear, bold labeling – so easy for patrons to read and for staff to spot miss-shelved items.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Color coding makes alpha even easier! Speaking of color coding, the library uses the Glade System in their nonfiction section (which is NOT what is pictured above). The Glade System uses color coding to organize nonfiction categories. Check out the breakdown here.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Reading area. The periodicals section is to the right of the fireplace.
Frances Skinner Willing, Portrait, Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Frances Skinner Willing’s portrait hangs over the fireplace. She founded the first library in Manchester in 1897. 
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Standing in front of the fireplace, looking toward the front of the library. The help desk is way back in the upper righthand corner.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Computer stations.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
The children’s section, which is through doors to the left of the help desk.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
The community room. Behind me is a large screen for films.  Those large doors open into the room with the fireplace. A patron told me they open them for large events.
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Happy to see more of these water bottle filler stations popping up in libraries. (I first saw them in airports.)
Manchester Community Library, VT (Featured on WildmooBooks.com)
Such a beautiful library. If you’re ever in the area, stop in for a visit. The librarians are friendly and happy to talk about their library. 

 

The Manchester Community Library
138 Cemetery Avenue/ Route 7A
Manchester Center, VT 05255
mclvt.org

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