Why I Will Miss the Provo Library

Tuesday, August 07, 2012


You guys, I have to tell you -- one of the things I am most sad about in moving from my six-year home of Provo, Utah is leaving the Provo City Library. I've always had good libraries to go to, but the Provo library is a cut above the rest. I want to make a list of why I will miss it in tribute to the fantastic place where I spent so many hours over the last few years.

1. It is absolutely gorgeous. I remember the first time I ever saw the Provo City Library. I had been living in Provo for a year but had just gotten a car, so I was driving in a part of Provo I'd never been to before, having been forced to basically restrict my life to the area immediately around BYU before having a car. I noticed this stunning building on the side of the road and realized it was a library. I immediately knew I wanted to go there as soon as possible. I couldn't believe there was a building that beautiful in Provo and that it housed my favorite thing.


2. Author events. The Provo library is notorious for having fantastic author events. I met Markus Zusak, Leif Enger, Marissa Meyer, Leigh Bardugo, Jennifer Bosworth, Anna Banks, and Emmy Laybourne here. I also missed multiple other author events that I really wanted to attend but couldn't due to school obligations, etc.

3. Book request system. There were several occasions when I looked in the catalog and saw that the book I wanted wasn't available. Every time, I requested the book, and every time, the library purchased the book and put it on hold for me. That, my friends, is service. I've also noticed that if the holds list on a book is 2093 patrons long, the library is very good about purchasing additional copies to meet the demands.

4. Used book sales. The library has quarterly used book sales, and every time I have gone I've found great, inexpensive books.

5. Excellent study areas. As a student at BYU, I usually used the Harold B. Lee library to study. However, once I had graduated and was attending the University of Utah, I realized that the Provo Library is a much better study area. It has comfortable lighted desks with plenty of power outlets. It also has fewer giggling freshman and muttered cell phone conversations.

6. Sheer nostalgia. Part of the appeal is just a je-ne-sais-quoi that cannot be explained. The Provo Library is a magical place. And while I am excited for the huge collection of the Los Angeles Public Library, I know it isn't going to quite live up to its predecessor.

26 comments:

  1. Oh, the Provo Library. I just want to hug it sometimes. I'm glad there's someone out there who won't roll their eyes at me when I say it's my favorite thing in Provo :)

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    1. Definitely not. I've said many times it is the thing I will miss the most.

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  2. That is indeed a beautiful library, I can see why you are going to miss it. I enjoyed reading this post :)

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    1. Thanks! It is wonderful. They have a lot of weddings there.

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  3. The Provo library definitely looks like a castle and has beautiful study nooks.

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  4. Oh my, that library is gorgeous! I would be sad to leave it too, and I don't even really use libraries! (But maybe that's because our libraries up here don't look like that...)

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    1. I used to buy most of my books, but when I got married we couldn't afford my book-buying habit anymore, so I started using the library more, and I have never looked back!

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  5. We are going to miss you too!!! :(

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  6. You know, I know how you feel. I've told my husband that if we ever move, it has to be for a darn good reason because I just can't give up the Provo Library. It truly is awesome above all other libraries just because of all the awesome programs they have.

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    1. I know. I am hopeful that the LAPL will be good, but I think it won't be quite the same. There will be plenty of books available but it won't have the personality of the Provo Library.

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  7. The Provo Library is really good at spoiling us! I've never thought to request a book they didn't have. I'll have to remember that. And I"m sad I won't get to see you at any more of the author signings/book club/blogger get togethers. :(

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    1. I know, I will miss seeing you there too!

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  8. Oh, my gosh, what an absolutely fantastic library! I can totally see why you'll miss it.

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  9. This was a lovely ode to the Provo library. I love the library and all it offers. That's sad that you won't be around to enjoy it. But new libraries are fun to discover too.

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    1. That is a good point. I know my grandma really loves the LAPL so it should be an adventure to get acquainted with it.

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  10. What a beautiful building! Sounds like it was a great place to go to.

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    1. It definitely was! I am really going to miss it.

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  11. Oh. My. Gorgeous doesn't do it justice!

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  12. WOW, that is gorgeous! It looks like it used to be a very stately old mansion :-)

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    1. I don't remember the exact history of it but I know it was a school of some kind before being converted into the library.

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  13. Lorren,
    And the Provo Library will miss you. I'm very glad that we have brought you such pleasure through our facility and services. Your blog entry on the library absolutely made my day. Thanks,
    Gene Nelson, Director

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    1. It has been a pleasure to visit the Provo Library over the last few years, Gene! Thanks again for everything!

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