Today, I had the privilege of joining the CMLF development team for an in-progress tour of the new Karl Road branch library. This library is under construction and due to be completed in the next several months. It is being built at the same location as the previous branch, but this new building will offer some amazing new spaces and resources for the Northland community.   

As we toured, we talked about how the new space was designed for the people of the Northland community and has added features such as new study rooms, dedicated programming spaces, and space for interactive technology. We envisioned the addition of local artists’ work that has been commissioned for the space and admired the natural light and openness throughout. My colleagues also spoke about how exciting it will be to attend the branch opening. They talked about past openings where community patrons walk into the new space and are overwhelmed to the point of tears. It was a reminder to me that while our physical connection to the library may have been on pause for much of this past year, the emotional connection we have to our libraries, the resources they provide, and the community they foster continues. 

This notion of libraries as so much more than books and concrete spaces kept arising this week. And, it’s true, the digital and community services of the library are not confined within our walls. But, I also know what a safe haven the physical library can provide. So, it’s exciting to see CML’s investment in these community spaces as libraries for the future.  

It’s only week 2, but I can feel the pace of summer quickening. Over the next couple weeks I will venture out to more of our branches and meet more people who love their libraries. This love is where I’m finding joy right now. 

Till next week,  

Amy