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A Look Inside My Paso Robles City Library

Graphic Novels (and Comic Books) for All Ages

Graphic novels did not exist when I was a child. The closest thing to graphic novels we had were comic books. Graphic novels tell their stories mostly with art and text bubbles that contain narration and dialogue. Some of the old classics have been adapted to this form to attract younger or visual readers who don't like books without pictures. Some history and biography books from educational publishers also take this form, even though they are not novels. 

As I was looking through these shelves I also saw books that compiled collections of popular comic strips read mostly by adults. 

Where the Adult Patrons Hang Out at the Paso Robles Library

This gives you a limited view of the stacks where the books for adults can be found. On the right, above the shelves, you see some photos. That wall often displays the works of local artists or photographers. This month it features historical R.J. Arnolds portraits from 19th century glass plate negatives. The story of how these became this display is told on the wall beside them. 

As I took this photo I stood on a level slightly above this section. There are stairs leading down to it. You will see computers and the reference desk directly below me. Most of the fiction for adults is in this section near the reference desk and on the shelves on the surrounding walls. 

The cases you see at the back by the windows are the nonfiction shelves. 

A Wider View of the Stacks

At the front of the photo you have fiction. At the back behind the computers below those upper story windows you find the nonfiction. Along the windows on the left side are tables and cubicles where people  can read or study. On the other side of those windows is 11th Street.  I will show you the other side of that wall in the next photo.

Because of limited space, I will skip some of the other library areas like the periodical reading room, the young adult shelves, and other primarily book areas. I've tried to focus on what I think is most unique in our library. I'm hoping this tour will encourage people who thought the library had nothing but books to offer them will pay their library a visit to see what might be unexpected and new to them. 

Viewing the Paso Robles Library from 11th Street

I took this photo from the corner of Park and 11th Streets. Parking on this street is free if you can find a place open. You can see the library wall is curved. On the other side of the wall are the desks and computers where people sit and use library materials. They can also look out onto this street view and the park beyond. These walls also house the book stacks you saw above. 

I hope you have enjoyed this tour of the Paso Robles Library as it is in February, 2018. If you live in Paso Robles I hope you will pay it a visit and bring your children. If you live elsewhere, visit your own local library if you haven't been there for a while. What you find may surprise you. 

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25 Comments

  1. I think it’s good when we have books that collect only dust to offer to libraries. For example, from the houses of deceased relatives who sell, and the books go for recycling. Perhaps somewhere somebody needs our book with an old edition.

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  2. My library has always been my second home.The nearest library from my home is some 10 Kilometers away.I liked both the libraries near you.What surprised me is the aquarium and the puzzle pieces for the children. All the photos of the libraries and the park are beautiful.

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