So why libraries?

Have you seen them? Many, if not most, hang on to some of the most beautiful eras of architecture our country has seen. They carry forward a time when our country had its most noble of ideals. Small New England towns are built around a symbiotic community style. We have "commons" because that land, in the center of town, was common ground, able to be used for cattle grazing by anyone with out fee. This small community mentality carried forward in a great and generous ideal. Education.... knowledge.... should also be free to all. Libraries were once private storehouses of knowledge and great symbols of wealth and power. Both the mentality behind it and the actual physicality of putting that knowledge in the "common" was one of our countries greatest endeavors. Libraries are a physical  statement of the most noble of American ideals. We will share our knowledge, and help our neighbors without selfish motive. 

We have always been a library going family. The place was a candy store for our kids. I think that the thought of just going into somewhere and walking out with something of their choice (or many somethings as is more likely with us) just appealed to both of our kids. Nora, my daughter, came up with the idea that this summer she would like to see what other town's libraries look like. That was how this blog was born. 

We are going to be going to as many as we can this summer. I will be snapping pictures and giving my thoughts as to many of the traits of the libraries we visit, and Nora will be giving her thoughts as well. It isn't a contest... we aren't rating them against each other. We are simply doing it for the joy of going and seeing and participating in these great reminders of what our country stood and still stands for.