downtown library and a well-spent life

I have always been a fan of the library.

Many childhood Sundays were spent in the children's section at the Palo Verde branch of the Phoenix Public library. Sitting in the middle of an aisle, discovering new authors and illustrators. I hope my children develop a love of books in this fashion. Not just the enjoyment of reading, but the excitement of discovery.

So, at least a few times a month, we venture to our public library to make new discoveries and bring home our findings. Sometimes we visit the smaller Yucca branch since its children's section is usually very tidy and they also have a nice selection of puzzles to entertain younger brother while the five year old makes his choices.

But it's such a lovely treat to visit our huge downtown library. Not only is it an architectural marvel, but I also feel like I'm embarking on an adventure when I enter the glass doors.

Not everyone finds the library as magical as I do.

There are quite a few transients that hang around the entrance and occasionally you see one or two sleeping at a desk on the upper floors. And, I'm quite certain, there are a few who use the public restrooms as public baths. Note the scent of BO that nearly knocks you down when you open one of the upstairs restrooms. Thankfully, this is usually not the case for the restrooms in the children's area.

So this is what we discovered earlier this week on a visit to our downtown library.

On the fifth floor: Mom is attempting to locate some gardening books and a new cookbook. Kids entertain themselves by grabbing numerous pencils and index cards and writing secret squirrel notes.

Being goofy.

How great does this look? The top floor was nearly empty. But, we still had reminder lessons on being quiet in the library.

Our treasures.

And one treasure in particular, found on the New Books rack has me particularly excited, so I thought I would share it.

It's titled a perfectly kept house is the sign of a misspent life, by Mary Randolph Carter.


It's really just another decorating book. But the writing is lovely and reassuring too.


And the images are sweet, many very realistic (unlike many other interior design books).



It's nice to have a beautiful reminder that, while the cleaning does need to happen, it's also important to spend time with your children, exercise your writing skills, enjoy being outside.

Here's hoping you find your time well-spent today.