Mount Prospect Public Library - pt. 1

It's remarkable that I have not, before now, covered this library, given how often I've been there (and the fact that it is the only other depository public library in the Chicago suburbs).

So I'm outside the entrance to the Mount Prospect Public Library, looking up at the most difficult to read library sign I've ever seen. And I don't even have a picture of the very confusing shared parking garage with the municipal building next door. But don't worry, it gets better!

A lot of libraries have quotes stenciled on the walls; MPPL has its quotes behind the walls (glass or plexiglass -- hence so much reflection). Carnegie is a great source to quote from right inside a public library, and I'm of course a big fan of Carnegie's libraries since falling in love with the Arcola Public Library (see earlier on this blog!). 

Self-check machines are right inside the entrance. Every library has them these days, but designs vary. MPPL's look to be more complex than most, but also more colorful, what with that bright green light (I'm guessing it scans barcodes placed under it, in addition to the aesthetics of it).

I didn't have to walk in very far before seeing the library cares about recycling. Nice!

At the far end of the ground floor is the children's room. Here you can see some of the wall-sized art in the room.

A good selection of new books in the children's room, including Encounter -- a trade paperback of an excellent mini-series from Lion Forge.

Aquariums are still popular in public libraries, despite the upkeep required. I love the display shelf with the Berenstain Bears and Winnie-the-Pooh on it.

Ooo, what's this? It looks like a time capsule is buried there. But time capsules are rarely buried in interior walls. Was this at one time the exterior wall of the building, before expansion? I suspect so. You'll note the stone block composition seems out of place around the rest of the building...

And this is a nice view of the upstairs, from the top of the stairs. Plenty of shapes and angles and curves and colors for a dynamic layout!