I was pleased to visit one of the newest libraries in Prince Willian County, Manassas City Library. This library’s located at 10104 Dumfries Road in a Wellington Station shopping center next to a grocery store. The store front looks like a retail store rather than a library, but the convenience of its location is one of its outstanding features. The library is convenient to the community and appropriately accessible with proper signage to welcome all patrons.
When I visited, there was a children’s program in progress in the front of the library. This library is not one of those libraries that promotes quietness. Because of the vast openness of the room, it was wonderfully vibrant, with children laughing. This library’s energy makes it a very suitable place for families to feel welcomed.
The next thing I noticed was the free-standing circulation desk in the middle of the library. It was not a large area but had exceedingly high plexiglass. With all the activity, it was hard to hear the library staff. I assume anyone hard of hearing or needing a quiet environment would find this library uncomfortable. The services that they offer are what you would find in any other library. Although, their website states that they have a collaboration with Area Agency on Aging. Through the program Meals on Wheels, home-bound patrons and older adults may receive delivery of nutritious meals and library materials. What a perfect delivery of a nice dinner with entertainment! The library also offers Memory Kits that contain different themed DVDs, flashcards, and activity cards. The purpose of the kits is to encourage storytelling and reminiscence to help individuals with memory issues. Rubin & Rubin mention that the public library has to continue to prove its value to the community so that the community continues to support the public library (2020, p. 112). Over time, I am sure these efforts will benefit this library and community.
They have a small study room in the back of the library with a TV monitor. The room would be a perfect size for a book club meeting or small HOA but not large enough for most community-planned events. As I walked to one side of the room, I was surprised to find an extensive hold section with numerous books waiting for pickup. It then dawned on me that this location next to the grocery store is perfect for this service.
This library is incredibly excellent for families to enjoy. It truly is the heart of the community.
References:
Rubin, R. E., & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.
I kind of like that store front look – its unique! I would imagine that the upkeep isnt as bad as taking care of a stand alone library as well.
Yes, it’s convenient but not so much outdoor space.
We have a library branch here that opened inside our local shopping mall a few years ago. This sort of building is becoming a bit more common I suppose as local governments look to lease space instead of buy space. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I like the convenience, but I also feel like you start to get a bit trapped and that renovation might be a bit harder. I’m not a builder, so I’m not 100% sure.
Yes, it is probably harder to customize rooms, but the one complaint that I did have is how noisy it was. It would have been better to install a drop tile ceiling to manage the noise.
When I was young, our nearest branch library was in a shopping center too. It was very small and actually it wasn’t close to any big anchor stores or grocery stores. I wonder if it still exists? I just looked and the town where I grew up has a main branch and two branches in shopping centers. I can see how this would be a logical and convenient location – everyone needs groceries. The only thing is, does it still feel like a library? What other programs do they have this summer? Does the library connect to other county/local library systems online and offer much digitally?
You actually asked a good question that made me think. It didn’t feel like a library. it might have been the time of day I went but I really couldn’t get passed the noise level.
Oooh, I love a new library! The programming they run for the elderly community sounds fantastic (and overwhelming!). I wonder how many staff are assigned just to manage all of those details? Interesting that it’s located where it is–not as nice from the outside, but looks great inside! What was going on that made it so loud?
It’s an open, exposed ceiling, and sound has nowhere to go.
The convenience aspect you bring up seems great – I would certainly get more holds and return things quicker if my library was right next to the grocery store! But, I see you discuss the minuses of that (as do other commenters). I wonder if the other locations in this library system can make up for this, with quieter study areas and more flexible meeting space?
Yes, another library nearby has more meeting areas for studying and is much quieter.
Norfolk also has a library in a strip mall, as does Hampton I believe. I LOVE the memory kits and the fact that the library partnered with Meals on Wheels is a great way to conserve resources and get people what they need. Bravo to whoever followed through with that idea and made it happen!!
Yes, I’m in love with Meals on wheels and book delivery! Every community library should consider this.