Guildwood Library bides in a strip mall, inhabiting a storefront that faces the main strip. Establishments across from the library include Sunny’s Bar and Restaurant and a dry cleaning facility that recycles metal hangers.
While homey, Guildwood is not noted for style, flair, or a dynamic colour scheme. However, during my second visit I noticed furniture improvements, especially the armchairs beside the storefront windows. I liked how the sunlight filtered through their wicker backs.
I also admired the homemade Christmas ornaments that I saw in 2011. Children had decorated paper cutouts of hot chocolate mugs, toques, snowflakes, skates, and snowmen, which were then strung from the ceiling in the Children’s Area.
Although the heap of fabric gift bags arranged on a shelf with an orangutan was festive, the only detail that puzzled me was the Santa figure’s remarkable lack of jolliness. Despite the regulation suit, he seemed far too young and stern to play the part of old Saint Nick.
With an undeniably grouchy expression, he looked more like a 19th century Prussian soldier than the embodiment of Yuletide cheer. I also found the hands encased in pantyhose off-putting.
Dwelling no further on Santa’s shortcomings, let me return to the many positive aspects of Guildwood branch. Testifying to its status as an essential neighbourhood resource, the library was fully occupied during my two visits, and the service users were from a mix of generations and backgrounds.
In addition to its success at attracting patrons, Guildwood features two notable romance titles: Warm and Willing and Criminally Handsome. While it may be a stretch to describe Guildwood as handsome, it is certainly a welcome source of community warmth in an otherwise bland strip mall.