10 Replies to “Fourth Library Visit: Public Library Sandston Library”
Sandston Library reminded me a lot of the public library I wrote about. I think it’s comforting that public libraries in different parts of the state have similarities. I imagine visiting public libraries as an out of town patron and feeling at home with how to find things. I’m not sure if the ALA is responsible for the consistency, but I think it says a lot about the profession and how we all adhere to the same values. On a side note, I really liked the historical marker crediting the Woman’s Club with finding the library on that site. It reminded me of earlier readings about library clubs for women.
When I replied to your public library post, I did think of Sandston Library. I think they are very similar. I knew going to Sandston Library it was the site of the first public library in Henrico, but I was so happy to see a plaque! And yes, crediting the Woman’s Club was neat.
Tiffany,
I was born and raised in Sandston, Virginia. I have been inside the library more times than I can count. I love it that you chose “my” library for your public library visit! I have never been to that upstairs nook that you spoke about or even seen anyone up there. It seems like it would be a nice spot to perch for a quiet read. When I was a little girl, the children’s section was set up like an enormous staircase. All the books were housed inside of each wide step. There was also a little spot up top that looked like a treehouse where kids could cozy up and read. I’m sure the new setup is safer and more user friendly, but I sure did love that humongous staircase back in the day!
Now that staircase sounds like a very neat setup for a children’s section! LOL I’m sure today it is safer but that sounds very cool. I almost asked about the upstairs “nook.” Just because I was so curious about its origins. It looked like a neat space. I really enjoyed seeing Sandston Library and Sandston. I grew up in Goochland County and needless to say, it was more rural than it is now (and where I lived in the Western part, it’s still pretty rural). Sandston reminded me of going into Goochland Courthouse. And that of course was where Goochland Library was (it still is just in a bigger different building), and oh, how I loved that place. I think that’s why I did really enjoy Sandston Library. It reminded me of my visits to my public library as a child. I love that it is “your” library!
I like that this library acknowledges dyslexia. For a library, it seems natural to offer resources for people with this reading disability.
The library looks very relaxing from your picture. One thing that I noticed in my library visit is that even with the rows of shelving, there is still a lot of considerable open space and natural lighting, and it seems this library is the same.
I did think it was great they had the small display with resources listed for dyslexia. As small as it was, yes there was open space. I did not feel cramped and crowded. They used their space well, taking advantage to get physical items in but also give the patron room to walk around and plenty of places to sit and relax.
I bet it was really interesting to observe a library in the same system, but a different branch as your own!
I also found the Sandston’s library website very easy to use. There are so many resources available to their patrons! I was fascinated by the “Book Club in a Bag”, and impressed with how up to date the offerings were. I am considering how I can institute something similar in my own high school library. The “Novelist Plus” database intrigues me as well, but I was not able to access its offerings since I am not a member of the Henrico County Public Library system. The “My Next Read” service is also fantastic! The HCPL system seems to be very focused on the service aspect of serving their patrons. This makes me think that time is a valuable resource for members of this community, so the library is trying to meet community members where they are at.
Additionally, I really liked the maker’s corner that had kits available for young adults such as the friendship bracelets and DIY catapults. Both of those activities engage a totally different type of kid, but draws them into the library nonetheless!
Again, thanks for sharing such cool aspects of the library that you visited for this assignment. I have truly enjoyed the findings and have lots to think about!
-Allison
I have visited all the libraries in HCPL but have not worked at them all. I can say the ones I have worked at, all do things just a little differently. So it’s always neat to visit a different library. HCPL just debuted the new catalog. I have not played with it as much as I should but it looks pretty user friendly. So funny story. The “Book Club in a Bag” sets are really neat. But working in circulation, a lot of people are just aghast when you pull it out as their hold. This was with the old catalog, and they didn’t realize they had put a bag on hold. They thought they were just getting one copy of the book. I’m hoping with the new catalog, maybe it will be more obvious that a book club bag is what they are putting on hold. I did think the makerspace offerings were diverse and really cute.
The Sandston public library looks like a great place. I think the stacks and the furniture looks very cozy and the skylights at the top are great for natural light. Im sure that the residents of this community appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the public library.
Also I find the display with information and brochures about dyslexia to be an interesting addition. I wonder if they have rotating displays that give different information to the community, It seems that this would be a great use of resources.
The library was cozy and just said, “come sit a spell.” I am putting that in a Southern way. I did wonder if they had a rotating display where they had the dyslexia resources. I thought it was a nice addition.
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Sandston Library reminded me a lot of the public library I wrote about. I think it’s comforting that public libraries in different parts of the state have similarities. I imagine visiting public libraries as an out of town patron and feeling at home with how to find things. I’m not sure if the ALA is responsible for the consistency, but I think it says a lot about the profession and how we all adhere to the same values. On a side note, I really liked the historical marker crediting the Woman’s Club with finding the library on that site. It reminded me of earlier readings about library clubs for women.
When I replied to your public library post, I did think of Sandston Library. I think they are very similar. I knew going to Sandston Library it was the site of the first public library in Henrico, but I was so happy to see a plaque! And yes, crediting the Woman’s Club was neat.
Tiffany,
I was born and raised in Sandston, Virginia. I have been inside the library more times than I can count. I love it that you chose “my” library for your public library visit! I have never been to that upstairs nook that you spoke about or even seen anyone up there. It seems like it would be a nice spot to perch for a quiet read. When I was a little girl, the children’s section was set up like an enormous staircase. All the books were housed inside of each wide step. There was also a little spot up top that looked like a treehouse where kids could cozy up and read. I’m sure the new setup is safer and more user friendly, but I sure did love that humongous staircase back in the day!
Now that staircase sounds like a very neat setup for a children’s section! LOL I’m sure today it is safer but that sounds very cool. I almost asked about the upstairs “nook.” Just because I was so curious about its origins. It looked like a neat space. I really enjoyed seeing Sandston Library and Sandston. I grew up in Goochland County and needless to say, it was more rural than it is now (and where I lived in the Western part, it’s still pretty rural). Sandston reminded me of going into Goochland Courthouse. And that of course was where Goochland Library was (it still is just in a bigger different building), and oh, how I loved that place. I think that’s why I did really enjoy Sandston Library. It reminded me of my visits to my public library as a child. I love that it is “your” library!
I like that this library acknowledges dyslexia. For a library, it seems natural to offer resources for people with this reading disability.
The library looks very relaxing from your picture. One thing that I noticed in my library visit is that even with the rows of shelving, there is still a lot of considerable open space and natural lighting, and it seems this library is the same.
I did think it was great they had the small display with resources listed for dyslexia. As small as it was, yes there was open space. I did not feel cramped and crowded. They used their space well, taking advantage to get physical items in but also give the patron room to walk around and plenty of places to sit and relax.
Tiffany,
I bet it was really interesting to observe a library in the same system, but a different branch as your own!
I also found the Sandston’s library website very easy to use. There are so many resources available to their patrons! I was fascinated by the “Book Club in a Bag”, and impressed with how up to date the offerings were. I am considering how I can institute something similar in my own high school library. The “Novelist Plus” database intrigues me as well, but I was not able to access its offerings since I am not a member of the Henrico County Public Library system. The “My Next Read” service is also fantastic! The HCPL system seems to be very focused on the service aspect of serving their patrons. This makes me think that time is a valuable resource for members of this community, so the library is trying to meet community members where they are at.
Additionally, I really liked the maker’s corner that had kits available for young adults such as the friendship bracelets and DIY catapults. Both of those activities engage a totally different type of kid, but draws them into the library nonetheless!
Again, thanks for sharing such cool aspects of the library that you visited for this assignment. I have truly enjoyed the findings and have lots to think about!
-Allison
I have visited all the libraries in HCPL but have not worked at them all. I can say the ones I have worked at, all do things just a little differently. So it’s always neat to visit a different library. HCPL just debuted the new catalog. I have not played with it as much as I should but it looks pretty user friendly. So funny story. The “Book Club in a Bag” sets are really neat. But working in circulation, a lot of people are just aghast when you pull it out as their hold. This was with the old catalog, and they didn’t realize they had put a bag on hold. They thought they were just getting one copy of the book. I’m hoping with the new catalog, maybe it will be more obvious that a book club bag is what they are putting on hold. I did think the makerspace offerings were diverse and really cute.
The Sandston public library looks like a great place. I think the stacks and the furniture looks very cozy and the skylights at the top are great for natural light. Im sure that the residents of this community appreciate the quiet atmosphere of the public library.
Also I find the display with information and brochures about dyslexia to be an interesting addition. I wonder if they have rotating displays that give different information to the community, It seems that this would be a great use of resources.
The library was cozy and just said, “come sit a spell.” I am putting that in a Southern way. I did wonder if they had a rotating display where they had the dyslexia resources. I thought it was a nice addition.