Kelso Public Library

This is not your mother’s library. Nor mine. I know this, as my mom worked at the old one for about 20 years.
Libraries in malls are not a new concept; there’s been one right down the road at Westfield Shopping Center for years. I like the concept. It becomes an opportunity to render it more accessible by removing the fourth wall and replacing it with glass. People who might not otherwise go in may be tempted, even if they are just looking for a seat. Libraries have a lot to offer and as the great man said, «Free is a very good price.»
Having said that, there are 3 things I will always miss about the old building–
The stairs. There is NO WAY those stairs would be allowed in a modern structure. Those things were so steep, a fireman’s pole would have been a safer alternative.
The dumbwaiter. Although it had not worked for years, it was a great way to get books from one floor to another. It was fun loading it up with books and seeing how fast you could get them upstairs. Man, that thing let out a BOOM when it hit the top. It ain’t easy getting sparks to shoot out of a wooden dumbwaiter, y’know.
The safe. That’s right, the safe. Doubtless something left over from a previous incarnation, it was awesome to see it in the middle of the wall behind the desk. I will always wonder what the Library used it for; probably back-​up inkpads and due date stamps.
Today, the building stands empty. I think it would be a great McMenamin’s. I’d go there in a flash. They can use the dumbwaiter to send a beer up. I’ll be at my cute little table inside the safe.Please. No way I’m using those stairs if I’ve been drinking.

They have a lot of books