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Heather Tomlinson THE SWAN MAIDEN, Henry Holt August 2007

The Thousand Oaks Library (http://www.toaks.org/library/) completed a fabulous new children’s wing in 2006. Opening day was a happening! Local children’s writers had a tent in the parking lot, along with many community organizations, and it was a kick to see so many families celebrating their local library. There’s a storytelling corner, giant aquarium, comfy nooks to read in, computer workstations, lots of light, and tons of books. Hopefully at some point the teen space can be upgraded, too.

Tiffany Trent

My favorite library is the new Hollins University Library.  It has beautiful round picture windows that rise for two stories.  There are columns and leather wing chairs.  The walls are a soft yellow.  There is silence.  It's a place that simply invites daydreaming and writing.

Melissa Marr Wicked Lovely, HarperCollins US & UK, 2007 Ink Exchange, HarperCollins US & UK, 2007

I'm not good with picking just one. The NCSU library had a dark little room downstairs where they kept scholarly journals. I liked that.  Duke had stacks that always made me feel like something was going to creep out at me. I liked that too. UNC had an airy wide open space and so many awesome texts it made me wander happily. The Carnegie Library has gorgeous stairs that make me glad when I forget things and must go up and down them again.  Oceanside CA has a fabulous used bookstore inside the library. Altoona PA has the library that fed my book habit as a child.  My current local library is letting me give a workshop for teens. The community college where I taught has a library that actually made me late for my interview there.  They said, "Wait in the library until __," but they had to come get me because there were so many great books and these comfy chairs . . . I like libraries.  I've yet to find one I don't like.

www.melissa-marr.com

Rebecca Stead FIRST LIGHT  Wendy Lamb Books, June 2007

My favorite library is one I sneak into to write. 
It is not too small and not too big. 
It has small, open balconies with writing tables. 
There is gorgeous woodwork and inspirational stained glass (all those shards painstakingly assembled -- kind of like a novel)
People there are quiet and focused on work.
The librarians look the other way if you bring coffee.
Obviously, I can't tell you where it is.
- Rebecca

Questions? Comments? Ponderings? Ask away. The Class of 2k7 would love to know your thoughts.