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Health & Fitness

Burnhaven Library is Bigger, Shinier, and Smells like New Carpet

Burnhaven Library is open and looks brand new!

First, a disclaimer - I have issues with libraries.  I realize they are goverment-funded and have space and money problems, but how come they never have the books I want to read actually on their shelves?  I have to request them, and then when they are available, I have to drop the book I'm currently reading and quick read what I'd requested in the small block of time I'm allowed to have it.  And during that time I have to avoid spilling anything on it or ripping any pages.

If you had met my children, you'd know why these are some rules I have a tough time living by.

Okay, it's not just the kids.  I want to read what I want to read now, not in 4-6 months when it finally becomes my turn.  By then I'll want to read something else entirely.

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I have the patience of a toddler, when it comes to books.

Anyway, I checked out the newly remodeled Burnhaven library today, and it's very nice!   It's pretty and fresh and smells like new carpet.  And everything seems bigger.  The front entrance is taller and broader.  The hallways feel wider.  But on the whole, it's laid out the same way it was before.  You aren't going to get lost in there.

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The children's area has a really cute little stage.  The Wescott Library in Eagan still has a bigger children's section with more places for kids to play and learn and hang out with books, but Burnhaven is definitely well laid-out and very kid-friendly.

The Lucky You section (where popular and newly released books are put on display) is more or less just where it was before, and the same size - tiny.  In my opinion, every library's Lucky You section should be about 10 times as big.  This isn't specific to Burnhaven Library.  All libraries should have more new and popular books.  Couldn't they get a few dozen of the popular new releases, and then sell them at a discount once they aren't popular anymore?  So that I don't have to be number 638 on the waiting list?

Instead of being out in the middle of the room, the computer area is immediately off to the left, and part of it is enclosed in glass. Very nice for those who wanted to sit and get some computer work done in peace and quiet.

The community room looks warmer and friendlier than it was before.  I think I'll have to reserve it for a book club gathering one day this summer.  There's going to be a license center at the library too, opening May 24.

Oh, and you can actually drive up to outside book drop now.  That is a nice change!

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