More than Books
Kendra June 29th, 2008
There are a lot of things about the way my tax money is spent that I don’t agree with, but the Seattle Public Library system isn’t one of them. I am probably one of the few people that smile and thank the librarians in the Ballard Public library when I pay my fine. The amount is so little for what I get in return.
It’s heartening that most times I visit the library it’s pretty crowded. Every workstation with Internet is full, the reading tables usually have at least one occupant and there is usually a line of people waiting to check out their materials. My feelings are surprising based on the fact that crowds and lines are usually among my greatest pet peeves. So why am I so happy to deal with both?
First there’s the architecture – something for which Ballard residents should be proud. Yes downtown has the Rem Koolhaus cool factor, but Ballard is nothing to sneeze at. First, there is the green roof that is amazing and accessible by free tours given on Saturdays. The green roof is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of innovative environmental features; there are also the rooftop devices measuring sunlight, wind and rain, the solar panels and the “notch and tab” furniture without screws, nails or hardware. But that’s just the shell. What makes the library great is what’s available inside too.
When I was growing up a library was just a place you went to borrow books. That seems quaint today when so much more is available. I am not speaking of cd’s and dvd’s, there is so much more than that.
In the library meeting room which pays tribute to Ballard’s maritime history with the walls built to resemble the inside hull of a boat, I have attended book readings by famous authors for free. If you missed one that you wanted to attend, check the library website and you might be able to download the podcast for it. Last year the library also held a lecture series on different aspects of architecture and environmental design that played to packed houses.
Do you know about Net Library? One of the offerings is eBooks, which can be transferred to multiple computers, Palm OS or Pocket PC handheld devices for offline use. The Chat with a Librarian service is available 24/7 to help you research information on a topic. You can access a Genealogy database to trace the family tree like you have always wanted to do. If you are into cars, through the library you have access to the Chilton Library and AllData, which contain automotive maintenance, diagnostic and repair resources. It’s appropriate that since Ballard was settled by fishermen that the Ballard Library has over 300 books on boats and boating.
In a time when people are tightening their belts due to rising prices, the library offers a wealth of entertainment, resources and information for all ages. It’s the jewel in Ballard’s crown.
