The Danforth and Coxwell Branch is one that I'm very familiar with, but not one that I would consider a home branch. Located a few steps from the Coxwell subway station, it is a convenient branch with no accessibility issues.
It is not a big branch, with a medium-sized collection of books, videos and resources. Limited to a few computer terminals, waiting time can be high during peak hours. There is, of course, wireless access, but in the times I've used it, the connection has been surprisingly spotty. As well, there are clearly not enough power outlets for users, and the ones available are located across walking aisles (a potential safety hazard for users).
The seating areas are also limited, although there are plenty of windows to create a bright, naturally lit reading area. There are only 4 tables to seat 16 patrons in the reading area, which is surprisingly sparse for the locations I've visited.
All in all, I still have an affinity for this branch. What's more is there's a McDonald's next door for those sudden hunger bursts. :)
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Main Street Branch
This marks my first library visit of my mission, and I've ventured to a branch that I've never visited in my life before. There was a strange feeling of excitement as I gathered my stuff and headed out the door.
The Main Street TPL Branch is a lovely space, located on the east side of Main street at #137 Main Street, just south of the Gerrard and Main Street intersection.
The Space: Plenty of sitting space with long wooden tables. No sofas or lounge chairs, but lots of nice natural light coming from the numerous windows.
Computer Access: 8 public access computer terminals, two computers for online catalogue, free wireless hotspot. There are not many power outlets for laptop users, so that can be an issue.
Children's library located upstairs with lots of resources.
Magazines and newspaper section is housed in a cozy, bright extension with lots of sunlight. A good and accessible selection of magazines: Utne Reader and Sound and Vision were two titles that I haven't seen regularly at my local library.
DVD and CDs: Not a huge selection of Feature DVDs or instructional ones.
Overall, I've enjoyed my few hours here. The occasional children's screams of glee can be heard which makes the mood friendly. Clean ,well maintained as expected from Toronto's libraries. I also loved how the librarians have placed their selections (categorized) on top of the book shelves for a quick scan. I'm always searching for new reads, so it's nice to be able to quickly scan the area for new titles.
The Main Street TPL Branch is a lovely space, located on the east side of Main street at #137 Main Street, just south of the Gerrard and Main Street intersection.
The Space: Plenty of sitting space with long wooden tables. No sofas or lounge chairs, but lots of nice natural light coming from the numerous windows.
Computer Access: 8 public access computer terminals, two computers for online catalogue, free wireless hotspot. There are not many power outlets for laptop users, so that can be an issue.
Children's library located upstairs with lots of resources.
Magazines and newspaper section is housed in a cozy, bright extension with lots of sunlight. A good and accessible selection of magazines: Utne Reader and Sound and Vision were two titles that I haven't seen regularly at my local library.
DVD and CDs: Not a huge selection of Feature DVDs or instructional ones.
Overall, I've enjoyed my few hours here. The occasional children's screams of glee can be heard which makes the mood friendly. Clean ,well maintained as expected from Toronto's libraries. I also loved how the librarians have placed their selections (categorized) on top of the book shelves for a quick scan. I'm always searching for new reads, so it's nice to be able to quickly scan the area for new titles.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Birth of a Blog and Mission
A momentous occasion, this is: started a blog, preparing for a mission, ready to venture out and do it.
I love setting up new blogs. There's always a sense of purpose and excited giddiness over what might develop from the blog. We're not talking riches here, but rather simply how the blog might affect the blogosphere.
I recall my brother once telling me a story he had read in the New Yorker magazine about a man and his son who visited every single library in the New York library system. I suppose this is similar, but I'm not sure if my young son can handle taking the TTC to far reaches of the city. I'm sure that will be part of my journey and blog.
The topics and issues I'm considering on blogging about, specifically for each location, are the following: location, access, times, architecture, history, resources, size, computer terminals, periodicals selection, audio/visual selection, seating and space, lighting, ambience, staff, facilities, and other.
I'm sure I'll add more to this list as I go out and do it. Here's to the journey. Hope you enjoy it--I know I will.
I love setting up new blogs. There's always a sense of purpose and excited giddiness over what might develop from the blog. We're not talking riches here, but rather simply how the blog might affect the blogosphere.
I recall my brother once telling me a story he had read in the New Yorker magazine about a man and his son who visited every single library in the New York library system. I suppose this is similar, but I'm not sure if my young son can handle taking the TTC to far reaches of the city. I'm sure that will be part of my journey and blog.
The topics and issues I'm considering on blogging about, specifically for each location, are the following: location, access, times, architecture, history, resources, size, computer terminals, periodicals selection, audio/visual selection, seating and space, lighting, ambience, staff, facilities, and other.
I'm sure I'll add more to this list as I go out and do it. Here's to the journey. Hope you enjoy it--I know I will.
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