A brand new branch of the Greensboro Public Library opened up on Friday, August 1, 2014, on Lake Jeanette Road in Greensboro, North Carolina. I was particularly excited about this, because it is only about a mile from where I live, so I can walk there when the weather is nice. It took a really, really long time for them to start building--I'm pretty sure the bond for it was passed back in 2006--but they broke ground last year, and I have been watching as the library building takes shape.
I was very excited to finally visit the branch once it opened, and I took plenty of pictures to share. This branch has so many unique features,it's hard to know where to start, so I'll just take you on a visual tour. When one enters, it's clear that this is not your standard dark and hushed "book crypt" (I'm looking at you, UNCG library)--the soaring, light-filled room is appointed with brilliantly-hued artwork and comfy couches. Stacks jut out into the room like those in a bookstore, rather than marching in uniform rows.
The children's section is wonderfully designed. It is dominated by a large pirate ship for exploration and play, and the stacks are actually bins, at a kid-friendly height. There is a computer hub with small chairs, and even a snack bar.
One thing in I was disappointed to find was a very small number of desktop computers available for adults. There are only seven stations around a table for library patrons to use, and if those are full, the alternative is apparently not to use the kids' computers, no matter how empty that area may be. If you are not with a child, you will be asked to move.
Why so few PC stations? The answer is in the kiosk. This library branch is unique in that there is a large kiosk from which library patrons can check out laptops and tablet computers for use, and as you have seen, there are plenty of places to sit. Clearly the plan was for those to be in wide use, making the demand for desktop PCs rather low. However, the mouse rules over the touchpad, and the keyboard trumps the touchscreen; the kiosk gathers dust while the desktop stations are full. Hopefully the disparity will be rectified by adding more computers of the old-school style.
Except for the issue with the computers, this is a lovely and welcoming branch. It took eight years to come to fruition, but it is here in a big, bold way. And if the pirate ship, rental iPads and snack bar aren't enough of a draw, the Glenn McNairy Branch has a real live 3-D printer! Whether browsing the stacks, checking out the snack bar or just sitting on a comfy couch playing Fruit Ninja, you will enjoy your visit to the Glenn McNairy Branch on Lake Jeanette Road.
You can also find What's Good in Greensbroro? on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Whats-Good-in-Greensboro-848569635208317/ . See you there!
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