Return of the Library Pilgrim: Mount Pleasant Library (1992)

Eight years ago, I paid my first visit to Mount Pleasant branch, a cozy venue tucked between a row of shops on the street that shares its name.

Very tall shelves — both free-standing and attached to the walls — claim the majority of the space. A wide aisle in the main room allows patrons to settle on mottled blue-and-purple chairs to read the latest magazines and newspapers.

The most unique feature of the Mount Pleasant branch is a wedge-shaped window seat in the Children’s Section that provides a carpeted perch for readers to observe the sidewalk scene.

On my first trip, a very large stuffed bear had established himself in the secure corner where the southeast wall met the window. When I stopped in to take some pictures in 2015 for an upcoming exhibit, an elephant had usurped the bear.

In 2016, a collective painting animated the nook’s walls with an endearing collection of images. I especially liked the Arctic hare, the butterfly, and some abstract clouds.

After admiring the artwork, I left the snug storefront library in a state of quiet contentment. And just a few blocks north, a French bakery awaited!