I've Never Cared What I Wore in a Library Before

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‍ ‍I love libraries but I never think to visit them when I’m out of town. If you grew up with the Plum Lake Library two miles away you would know how perfect it is. The next library I went to was the Grand Rapids, Minnesota library when I first moved. I love that library, too. It was where I would spend my days after I’d explored the town. I walked around checking out coffee shops, florists, and returning my Netflix DVD to the Post Office. Then, I’d go to the library and read for the rest of the day.

When I registered to attend the Creative Compass Retreat, I started budgeting for shopping at local book stores. Then I realized, who am I kidding, I never stick to a budget. I pivoted to shopping at Blue Bunny Books since it was across the street from the retreat. I then wondered what it would be like to visit libraries since they are the free version of book stores. I added the Boston Public Library to my list of things to see.

The first day in Boston we walked around for hours. We walked over seven miles that day. On the way back to the hotel, I looked up and kitty-corner to where I was standing, was a majestic building. “What building is that?” I asked my husband. “Oh my gosh, it’s the Boston Public Library!” I said before he could respond.

The Public Library of the City of Boston Built by the People and Dedicated to the Advancement of Learning.

The front of the building was castle-like. There were flags hanging in between windows. There were words carved along the top of the building. I had to get closer. The black, cast-iron street lamps lining the sidewalk and steps leading up to it reminded me of a scene from Mary Poppins. I was sad I wasn’t wearing a pop of red lipstick for my picture in front of it. Then I began to hum “The hills are alive 🎶…” because Julia Andrews was an underrated actress and I wanted to spin in circles on the landing. 

I paused to think how perfect it looked. The scene of a winter Hallmark movie could be filmed with the street lamps in the background. Or that scene in the rain from The Exorcist. I got goosebumps and smiled for my picture!

We walked inside and it was beautiful. It was old and it was royal-looking. It was indescribable and I felt like I was underdressed. I’ve never cared what I wore in a library before. I was in awe. I wanted to curl up with a book in every room. I felt so nostalgic. Since I knew that if I sat down to rest after walking 6 miles and a wake up call at 3 am, I would never get up, I decided to walk around to take it all in. We walked through most of it and went to exit through the gift shop–where I blew my budget for the local book store.