Lake Helen Library

Its hard to review a library because they are provided using a template of sorts and it takes work to make each modern library distinctive. Lake Helen Library is distinctive. The exterior looks like a fresh renovation of an old house and inside there are modern lighting and window touches. The library operationally functions well. Books selections are a little light but take advantage of the county wide borrwing policies to flesh out any missing items. Digital options are many starting with Overdrive, Axis360 and Freading for books and a really nice addition via the Zinio app to read a large selection of digital magazines that normally have to be paid for. After inspection, this is a great library that packs a lot of punch in a small package. Wise use of space and providing media that people will actually use instead of accumulating junk helps this library thrive.

Very
easy
on the
eyes
Lake Helen is a small town, it doesn’t even have a traffic light. It does have lots of cool old buildings, some unusual stuff and some cool new things like an impressive library.
The library was built about ten years ago but looks like it has been here for a long, long time. Just kind of blends in so well with the surrounding area and is ascetically so pleasant to look at. The cool design, architecture and porch has a very small town welcoming feel that is completely different from the usual recently built, functional, but ascetically boring libraries that are so typical in this part of Florida. This library looks like it would be quite at home in some small New England town or island.
The inside of the library is comfy but certainly not roomy. It does manage to fit all the modern conveniences like computers, periodicals, DVDs and of course a nice collection of books. Definitely has a pragmatic side to it’s wonderful aesthetics. Best of all it has a huge bulletin board that lists all the local events and programs. A great place to keep track of what’s going on in this quirky little town.
The librarians I met were patient, friendly and sweet, every though the library was crowded and they were probably wondering why the hell I was asking all these stupid questions. One of them took the time to tell me the story about how all the books were moved from the old library next door. They just formed a human chain and handed the books, one by one, to the new building. Something that would have been very cool to watch. The Lake Helen library is certainly not the largest or most useful library around. However it definitely one of the coolest and welcoming.