"O is for the Old Saybrook Public Library (a.k.a the Acton Library)

 

Acton Public Library on the inside!

We recently visited the Acton Public Library in Old Saybrook Connecticut. This library in particular was fantastic, having a beautiful inside and outdoor landscaping that was also very pretty. It also had some pretty creative programs.  For instance, instead of just paying a fine for an overdue book you had the option of bringing in non-perishable food items to be donated for the Shoreline food pantry. If you chose to do this $1 would be removed from your fine while you were also helping out  a local charity. 

Food for Fines!!!!

 

Teen section!

 This library also had  fantastic children's and teen sections. The children's section also had a parent's corner with books for families that addressed different topics along the lines of parenting (my mom's fave!).  The teen section had a wide selection of magazines, books and graphic novels plus lots of comfy chairs to sit in. The children's section was full of great picture books and chapter books as well as even more places to curl up and read.

One of the tile paintings on the wall.

Near the entrance to the library there was a fantastic peice of artwork on the wall! There were little rectangles made of tile,  and on each space there was an image of something you could find in Old Saybrook, or something important from the town's history. It was absolutely gorgeous, and has to really be seen in person to truly appreciate both the beauty and the history.

 The Acton Public Library had another cool offering: special movie-book kits that contained a book and the corresponding movie that you could borrow and take home (my mom says that the books are always better than the movies- this lets people decide for themselves;-).

The movie book kits.

  We're excited to check out Portland's library for "P"!

"P is for the Portland Library"

"P is for the Portland Library"

Sorry guys- we couldn't find the pictures that we took of Portland Library :-(! You won't be able to see how cool this library is but I bet if I describe it well you can imagine it in your own mind.  Here goes...

The Portland Library's teen section was directly next to the children's section. The teen section had a great selection of great graphic novels (one of which we checked out). There was also a wide selection of books and places to sit. There were around 3 computers in each section and the children's section had a whole shelf, right in front,  full of all the Nutmeg nominees for 2013- hooray! 

This library has it's own monthly newsletter called "Check It Out!". Here is a link to it:
Check It Out 

There were 3 summer reading programs going on at the Portland Library. One for adults called Between the Covers, one for teens titled Own the Night and lastly one for children, along the same theme as those we've visited state-wide.

The library's layout was excellent- all on one floor, with the librarian's desk right in the center.  There was an abundance of natural light, and floor-to-ceiling windows ringed the perimeter.  This library has committed to going solar, which makes it a hit in our book!

This library was fantastic and we can't wait to check out the Q library- Quinnipiac University!