Up and at 'em bright and early today to head to Stratford-upon-Avon. After a relatively short trip in the countryside, we arrived at the coach park at the local sports center. We debarked and scattered making our way as best we could to the town center. Many shops and eateries lined the streets. In particular, there was a shop dedicated to the bard,an adorable Christmas shop directly across from it and a Harry Potter-inspired "magic shop." Sadly, the entrance to the tour of Shakespeare's buildings was a little cost prohibitive even with the student discount, so my companions and I wandered the town in and out of the shops.
One of the serendipitous finds of this method was the Stratford-upon-Avon Public Library. Tucked in to an old wattle and daub facade matching the surrounding architecture is a jewel of a modern public library. This library was made possible by monies provided by Andrew Carnegie in 1905. According to information on the history of the library from Clare James Senior Librarian, South Warwickshire Library and Information Service received by e-mail on July 19, 2010, the space was little more than a series of restored 16th century cottages. A renovation project was undertaken in the 1960's, but this effort was met with significant community resistance. The building underwent a major refurbishment during 2002-2003 and was reopened by Dame Judi Dench in 2004. The library celebrated 100 years of service in 2005. It appeared as we walked around that it was very much an important part of the community. There was a bank of computers providing internet access and access to the catalog for patrons, a wide selection of movies and music, a children's collection in a separate area (delightfully decorated and inviting) sheet music, and adult fiction on the lower level surrounding the circulation desk. Upstairs was the reference collection with inquiry desk and a separate room for periodicals and local history/genealogy. One of
the features I found interesting was the wealth of informational pamphlets available throughout the library on various social issues such as abuse, divorce, poverty and aging and services available to the patrons. I don't know if that means there are more of those issues presenting in the community or if the library is taking a proactive approach to community services. I would have taken the time to ask, but it appeared that the circulation desk was very occupied which I felt was a good sign of the use of the facilities.We ended the evening by attending a play at the Courtyard Theatre. The Royal Shakespeare Company's presentation of "A Winter's Tale." The company put on an outstanding performance. The costuming and sets were creative and lively. Altogether a splendid way to end the day.
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