What’s Cooking in the Library?
Hello everyone. I’d like to begin this post with a disclaimer. This post is about a not so recent visit to our local library. While the props and other learning devices have changed to the new month’s theme ; it was still so much fun and so educational that I really want to share. Plus, with the holiday mood in full swing, the theme of cooking is perfectly apt.
Housed in our local but amazing Arlington Heights Memorial library, the first collection that greeted everyone was this. Strategically placed at the intersection of the various entrances on level 1, was this gorgeous display of cooking appliances from the times of yore.
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Placed to the side was this tablet with a bunch of videos that the patrons could listen to. Headphones were handily available in adult and kids sizes. The height and angle were such that height was not an issue. (Seen here is the kiddo viewing the video)
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I am always fascinated by the amount of thought and insights that go into window dressings and exhibit displays. Being a library, I can imagine how difficult it is to grab the attention of young and old. Placements like these cater to the littlest of people too. (Seen in the shadows is a little friend of the kiddo who is stepping away from her prize winning book to gleefully observe “carrots cooking” )
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These instruments were doubtless advanced for their time. But I am happy for our modern and quick contraptions. Especially after gazing at the picture of the lady (bottom left) : cranking that engine does not look easy or enjoyable.
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I am happy to say that I have actually seen a similar model in Springfield – in a tour of Abraham Lincoln’s house – and the historical museum in Springfield. When I hinted to the kiddo, I was happy to note that she recollected the warm kitchen we had visited there. (I love giving the first grader these hints so she can make the associations herself)
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There were a few other excellent models of cooking appliances that we feasted our eyes on making our trip to the library exciting and educational.
Of course, no trip is complete without reading and fun at the marvelous kiddie corner. Seen here is T reading to a friend after a game of imaginative play and a round of building magnets.
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This visit also got me thinking happily how transformative libraries have become. In the age of short attention spans and clickable conveniences, libraries such as AHML are providing fascinating family friendly experiences- thus, keeping patrons/ customers like me engaged and eager to come back time and again- a valuable retention tactic even companies would do well to follow.
How does your library entice you to visit? Share your experiences in the comments below.
