I love my library and I especially love that I work so close by that I visit whenever I need a book or want to look through the new books on the browser. This building opened in 1989. Formerly the main branch had been in the old post office building. (You'll glimpse it next in 'M')
The windows you see on the ground floor are at the children's department and there is a wide play/reading area there complete with a number of Brumby rockers. I miss the children's department. I still check an Easy book out once in awhile. Often a Barbara Cooney book.* Fortunately there is no age limit.
Prior to the establishment of CCPLS, Cobb County Public Library system, libraries had been a city rather than a county responsibility.
Various groups initiated book loaning associations in Cobb County during the 1800s, but the first
library was launched by a Sarah Freeman Clarke. Clarke was popular in intellectual circles that included writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson and 19th century feminist Margret Fuller. After extensive travel throughout Rome and Italy, Clarke returned to the United States. In 1879, Clarke set out for Marietta, Ga. to visit family. In 1882, she made her Marietta vacation spot a permanent home. After moving to Georgia, she established a small lending library behind her home. Financial support boomed for her library, and Clarke merged her resources with a men’s debating association. With the merge and the financial backing, the city’s first official library was born. Though one day it would be called the Cobb Library, the Clarke Library opened Oct. 26, 1893 and at one time occupied this hexagonal building (remember seeing it as a flower shop earlier?) .
As late as the 1950s, the county system consisted of little more than a couple of bookmobiles that traveled around to various sites. Gradually the county system expanded. LUCKY for us.
[doesn't that top picture look like a postcard?! I walked across the street - in 95+ degree temps - on Friday and took it myself. Promise.]
*if you get a chance, read "The Ox-Cart Man"
"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!"
Jane Austen - "Pride and Prejudice" 1811
The windows you see on the ground floor are at the children's department and there is a wide play/reading area there complete with a number of Brumby rockers. I miss the children's department. I still check an Easy book out once in awhile. Often a Barbara Cooney book.* Fortunately there is no age limit.
Prior to the establishment of CCPLS, Cobb County Public Library system, libraries had been a city rather than a county responsibility.
Various groups initiated book loaning associations in Cobb County during the 1800s, but the first
library was launched by a Sarah Freeman Clarke. Clarke was popular in intellectual circles that included writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson and 19th century feminist Margret Fuller. After extensive travel throughout Rome and Italy, Clarke returned to the United States. In 1879, Clarke set out for Marietta, Ga. to visit family. In 1882, she made her Marietta vacation spot a permanent home. After moving to Georgia, she established a small lending library behind her home. Financial support boomed for her library, and Clarke merged her resources with a men’s debating association. With the merge and the financial backing, the city’s first official library was born. Though one day it would be called the Cobb Library, the Clarke Library opened Oct. 26, 1893 and at one time occupied this hexagonal building (remember seeing it as a flower shop earlier?) .As late as the 1950s, the county system consisted of little more than a couple of bookmobiles that traveled around to various sites. Gradually the county system expanded. LUCKY for us.
[doesn't that top picture look like a postcard?! I walked across the street - in 95+ degree temps - on Friday and took it myself. Promise.]
*if you get a chance, read "The Ox-Cart Man"
"I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!"
Jane Austen - "Pride and Prejudice" 1811
2 comments:
What a lot of history in the story of your library!
Since next to M&Ms and knitting, libraries are my most favorite thing in the world, I truly loved this post.
Sounds like a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
Thanks.
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