Goudy ain`t dowdy.

So Langford just got a whole lot cooler. You will probably hear me rambling on about my new obsession with GVPL`s latest library, The Goudy Branch, a lot seeing as I`m already unusually enthusiastic about libraries in general and this just kicked my enthusiasm into high gear. It is such an incredible concept and I hope more areas will follow suite. The best way to describe the new branch is that it`s a book store themed library. The sections are divided up by commonly used terminology and sections rather than by the traditional dewey decimal system so instead of wandering up and down aisles of old dusty books. (which is not something I`m adverse to but probably makes a 15 year old girl less likely to use the library) you just go to the section you would in a bookstore. There aren`t a lot of books here as it is a small branch but they are all relatively popular titles and they are all 14 day loans on which holds and renewals can not be placed so it keeps the rotation current. Of course as with any other branch you can file an online request for any book that is at another branch and those books can ben taken out for the regular time frame and can be renewed. There are also free internet stations and even a couple computers on which teenagers can play games. You can rent movies, music or computer games for your XBox, Playstation 2 or Nintendo Wii.

Finally, the cherry on top is that the library has a coffee shop that is open to it. Books still must be checked out of course so in case you were to spill your tea on the book you would still be responsible for it but I think this is the best idea ever. If Starbucks in Chapters is hell then a Mirage Coffee in a library is heaven. I am in heaven. This is a booklover`s dream.

The library had 40, 000 in a private donation made and the city of Langford covered the rest of the initial expense to build the branch and it will be maintained by . I feel like this is a great use of taxpayer money, it`s something everyone can enjoy and use and I hope that this idea really catches on. Of course I still have great respect for the traditional library and I`m sure there are probably a few library purists out there that would consider this an abomination. That being said I think the two will work well together and this is a great way to keep libraries relevant to a younger generation and it`s a nice way to quickly grab a book rather than having to spend hours wandering around aimlessly. Well done Langford!






Photos by Tony Bounsall Photo-Design