We live about 4 blocks away from Europe’s largest reference library: the Mitchell. Why should we go anywhere else for our library needs? Well … because it’s a reference library: it’s got all sorts of wonderful things, but most of it you wouldn’t want to sit down and just … read. So, yesterday, based upon the map of the various libraries in our area (and ignoring the fact that the local Bollywood Video place is listed as a library), we figured we’d make a little tour, to see whether the other libraries in Glasgow had anything to offer. Oh, they did.
Our first stop was at the library in “George’s Cross.” This turns out to be located on Maryhill Road … which is not someplace we’d advise visiting. Rather, it’s someplace to go when in dire need of Asian food (Sea Woo is located there), but otherwise it’s strictly off-limits. Arriving at Maryhill Road, D. decided that he’d ask directions of the local Bank of Scotland (it seemed safe enough).
Well … just as the senior checker was telling him that the library was another four or five buildings along (the junior checker seeming puzzled at the very idea of a library), the only other customer in the bank offered to show it to us. “I’m goin tha way, I’ll tak ye there mesel.” This other customer, of course, was one of the local residents. He proceeded to walk us outside, shaking hands with D., and, as T. followed along, asks, “is that your girl? wha’s her name?” At which point he shakes hands with T. as well, and proceeds to lead us four buildings along the road.
Sometimes it works wonders, using the American Accent and the Tourist Smile. Other times … well, not so much.
We eventually made our way to the Hillhead Library, which seems to expect that people READ. We made off with about 20 books (despite the 15-per-card limit, the librarian saying, “Oh, it’s more a guideline.”). We’ve spent the past day or so reading furiously, and will likely return tomorrow. We’ve finally found a library which provides books TO READ, rather than books TO REFERENCE.
– D & T
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Glad you found that library. 😉
Paz
There is actually a lending library IN the Mitchell, located at the bottom right of the building, entrance on the side. Forget what it's called but decent enough.
And Maryhill Road isn't that bad! Check out Jaconelli's for some yummy homemade ice cream (if you guys are eating diary…mmm…….)
Libraries…wondrous things. Much better than book shoppes, I can get out without the bill!
Let us know if you've found anything worth recommending!
: )
I prefer the lending library in the Mitchell to the one at Hillhead, though they're both decent. I stop in at least once a week!
Jen, Katie: OK, a wee bit of clarification as to our criteria for a library may be in order. We prefer extensive Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Young Adult sections. To get those, we'll have to go to Hillhead, as neither the one on Maryhill nor The Mitchell have decent offerings. While we could – and have – ordered some books via interlibrary, it's just not as convenient as going where all of those books tend to live, if you know what I mean?
Plus … well, when ordering Young Adult books and going in to pick them up at Mitchell, I've been told, "Oh, so it's the kiddie books you're after, then, is it?" Enough to really put you off, that.
Another, more general, clarification: the guy who walked us to the Maryhill Library, while kinda nice … was also very much a heroin addict. Not pretty.