Linden Library feels like home

Once a month, on a Thursday just about the time the Linden Library is closing at 2 p.m., a group of ladies shows up. Their meeting time is 2:30 p.m.

There are about 12 of them. They are the beginning of a book club, but with the COVID virus they only gather in reduced numbers and with social distancing. All are wearing masks.

Still, they’re at the town’s local meeting place, its new downtown library, which was the former home of Dr. O.R. and Hattie Taylor. Transforming it to a library had been some 10 years in the making.

The ladies are reading ‘The High Tide Club” by Mary Kay Andrews. The book is about a 99-year old heiress who summons several people to her 20,000-acre island. From there, it’s about new love, old secrets and the kind of friendship that transcends generations.

Quite a good read, it seems, and even better if one has someone to discuss it with.

Linden’s library is a fine place for such

talk. One member calls it a “cozy, comfortable home.” It certainly is like a home, with period ceiling lamps, wooden floors, fireplace and a special large room for children.

It’s a practical place, too. Danielle Arnold is here this day using the computer and printer. She has a computer at home but no printer. It’s easy to come and print here. The cost is 25 cents a page, and the experience is pleasant. It’s not always quiet, because everyone seems to want to talk while here.

Librarian Denise Haas has made colorful decorations over the fireplace in the large main entrance room. Her bright white and red tree is made for the upcoming Valentine’s Day, but it’s as bright and cheerful as a Christmas tree.

One patron is putting together a 1,000piece puzzle at a table. A volunteer is at the main desk checking out books. One room is set aside for local research and genealogical work.

Such is the key to a hometown library’s appeal. It is cared for and operated by friends and neighbors.

The library has somewhat irregular hours, but here’s the key to remember. Each Monday through Saturday the library is open at 10 a.m. and goes until the early afternoon. Drop by and visit. Some home folk are waiting for you there.

■ Danielle Arnold enjoys coming to the Linden Library to use its computer for printing letters. She has no printer at home, yet the library feels like home, too.

■ Volunteer Erica Jones is tickled to assist in taking care of the Linden Library. Here she shows a bag to promote the library while its red color goes along with the Valentine decorations.

■ This group of readers comes monthly to a book club at the Linden Library.