A while back I posted a Library Review where I traveled to a couple public libraries around where I lived and gave my impression of them. I wanted to continue that, but also go a little more in-depth. I’ve decided upon this new format where I’ll start by describing the library, then point out some fun things unique to the library, and then point out one interesting book I found while perusing the shelves. I forgot to take my polaroid camera with me so no instant photographs this time. But I still kept up with the tradition of taking one interesting photo of something I found while exploring the library. 

Today I went to the Clairton Public Library. I almost walked past it at first because from the outside it looked kinda like a regular window shop. It’s quite small so definitely more of a local community library. The library feels old and its age shows pretty clearly through the weathered walls and windows. But it feels very well kept. Not dusty or anything like that. The inside is pretty small, just one large room. But there is an underground floor that I will get to in a moment. The kids and teens section doesn’t appear to have that many new mainstream books. But I did take note of an impressive collection of historical content regarding topics like Civil Rights. There are some reading areas for kids but not much room to sit down and read on the ground floor. However, the lower level has a large open play area as well as plenty of tables and some computers.

On my way down I found this sign, which I found very charming. Something about seeing eye dialects is just fun. There’s a couple funtime activity thingies down here like a Nintendo Wii and a Bell and Howell Vintage Projector. I’m guessing the library hosts events for the community from time to time with these. Wifi is pretty accessible and I give the toilet paper rating a 3/7. 

As for the book I found interesting, it’s The Pageant of Chinese History by Elizabeth Seeger. Chinese history is so long and not really traditionally taught in the West so I had some fun reading through parts of it, trying to just contextualize the time periods.