The Smith Neighborhood Library is just that, a small library that serves the surrounding neighborhood where it is located. There were probably 15-20 patrons at the library when we arrived. Most were working on computers or laptops. A few children were reading books in the children's area. Peyton found a book she wanted to read, but she stopped by a computer and spotted a program that she had used before and decided to work on it for a while. When some other little girls asked to use the computer, Peyton graciously gave up her spot and decided to read the book she had found. I looked up the address for the main library downtown and we headed off to another library.
After three circles around the block, I finally found the entrance for parking at the Central Library in downtown Houston. The small entrance lead to a parking lot underneath the library. As we tried to navigate our way to the library, a helpful security guard let us know where to go. He suggested we try the 4th floor first because that's where the children's collection was located. When we walked in, the movie Gnomeo and Juliet was being projected in front of several parents and children who were working on computers or just enjoying the movie. We strolled around, checking out the large collection of books, magazines, CD's and DVD's. What an awesome place for children to work and learn. Peyton grabbed a few puzzles and sat at a table where she could work and watch the movie at the same time. I looked around some more, noticing a couple of flat screen TVS which were set up for video game play. A copy machine and printer were available for patron use. If you want to use a computer, you have to have a library card. Patrons swipe their card and select a computer to work on from a list that appears on the screen. This process makes sure everyone gets a chance to use the computers and frees librarians to tend to other duties. There was also a self-serve book check-out for patrons to use, rather than having to check out on the main floor.
Our next stop was the teen room, which was also located on the 4th floor. As soon as we walked in, Peyton and I both said, "WOW!" This area seemed more like a teen hang-out rather than a library. Laughter met us at the door as the librarian and 4 or 5 teens chatted about a movie playing on one of the TV's. The egg-shaped chairs were the first thing to catch our eyes. Each chair was directed at a flat-screen TV. When I asked what it was used for, the librarian said they were set up for playing PlayStation 3. Computers with large, flat-screen monitors were arranged in back-to-back rows. Besides the movie being played, another TV was being used by a teen playing a video game. The bookshelves were painted black and the the bright colors of the furniture gave the room a young, hip feel. Vending machines, games, and snack tables were also provided. Audio books and magazines were shelved along with the books, using a special row along the top of the shelves for nontraditional materials. A large collection of manga and graphic novels were easy to find and access. It was hard tearing Peyton away from this room. She said she wished all libraries had a place like this. I'm sure all kids would feel the same.
We were sad to leave the teen room, but there was more library to see. So, Peyton and I continued our adventure. The next stop was the 3rd floor. The 3rd floor contains reference and research materials, nonfiction 800-900's, magazines and newspapers. Study rooms are available as well as computers and microfilm machines. This floor was much quieter than the teen room. And I was asked a couple of times if I needed help finding anything. This floor felt more like a typical library.
The 2nd floor is very similar to the 3rd floor. The second floor contains the rest of the nonfiction collection, the 000-700's. It also has a section called "Careers, Opportunities, Resources, and Education." On each floor, there are TV's hung next to the elevator entrances that are used to share information with patrons about library activities.
The 1st floor houses the fiction collection, world languages, music, movies, and audiobooks. Computer stations are also located on the 1st floor. The same sign-in procedure is used here as it was in the children's room. Self-checkout stations are available or patrons can use the assisted checkout.
The Central Library in Houston is an awesome display of what all libraries should strive to be. It is modern and clean, with easy access to all materials. With the help of technology, the library is set up so that patrons can successfully help themselves to all services and materials, but helpful librarians are also available for assisstance when needed. If you haven't been, you have to check it out, it's pretty awesome!
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