AdventureDad

On Sunday we went to our local library which is very close to where we live.  Our neighborhood is a little different.  It’s by far the most modern area in Stockholm.  And we simply love it. The area is  a great example over what you can accomplish if you try a little harder.  All apartment buildings are new, we recycle everything, all apartments have tons of windows and balconies, solar power is used in some buildings, there are playgrounds everywhere, the area is surrounded by water, it’s three miles from city center (10 minutes by bus or bike, 25 with the boat), two minute walk to the forest, there is no crime or  traffic, and the area has a great mix of people with a large part of families with small kids.  But the visit to the library was a real eye opener for me.

When I think of a library I think of something old and inefficient.  All libraries I have visited have been this way.  Regardless of country. But I have not been to a Swedish library in 25 years.   We do have a library very close to our house but the area we went to is nearby and has an amazing little center for kids and adults.  It’s called Dieselverkstaden.  Years ago it was used to manufacture large engines for boats and trains for a large Swedish company, Atlas Copco. And it used to look like crap.   But they remade it into a center for cultural activities and a nice shopping mall.  First we hit the restaurant because Sandra was close to her green monster syndrome.  Fantastic food, not too expensive, special area for the kids, and free adult style food for the kids.  A great place.  Then we walked around and stumbled into the library which looks like anything except a library.  It looks more like a modern NASA research station.  It’s a heaven for young children.  Computers everywhere, TV’s, video games, music, play area, books,  and games.  All setup tastefully in a large open area. 

I was just amazed.  So many great books for children that I immediately asked for a library card.  The library cards here are high tech.  It took me two minutes to have one setup and it assures access to everything.  Of course for free.  Want to use one of the 15 computers with high speed internet?  Slide the card, put in your code, and the screen tells you which one to use.  Xbox or playstation?  Slide your card and enjoy a few games.  The same with music, books, and DVDs.  Listen to music?  They got plenty of music stations with headphones.   Just chose which Cd’s you like first.    Got young kids with too much energy?  They got a special play area for the kids with some toys and also a reading corner which is quiet and will help the kids to relax.  And the crowd is just right.  Not too many to cause lines or make it too noisy.  Just  a soft background noise so you can concentrate if you have to.  Like when I challenged my Finish friend who is married to a Venezuelan to a a very important game of table hockey.  I’m happy to report Sweden beat Finland by 5-1 in this emotional game full of prestige:-))

I picked out five picture books for Daniel and got ready to check them out.  Turns out the you can check-out the books yourself with the high tech card.  You don’t even have to slide it.  Since the card has a RFID radio chip embedded, simply lay the card on the desk and put in your code.  Only a geek like me could be excited by this great technology.   It feels very strange not to slide the card.  The you take all books and put them into a pile on the desk.  No need to scan the books one by one.  All books also have RFID chips embedded.  As soon as you put the books down on the desk the titles pop up on the screen and you are done.  Receipt is printed automatically and that’s it.  You are ready to go.  That’s what I call good service.

Dieselverkstaden is so much more than just library and restaurant.  They got the largest climbing gym in Sweden, Klätterverket, with plenty of classes for young kids.  A nice gallery is located right next to the library.  They’ve got several large stages that can be used for theater or concerts.  Besides the restaurant they’ve also got a café.  Some of the smaller theater stages are used mainly for kids.  Several times a week they offer school kids to come and   watch a play or be a part of one.  Fun acting events are arranged daily for interested kids.

Daniel is a little young to enjoy the whole area but this will surely be an area to visit as he grows up.  He has so far seen one play which he loved so we will slowly expose him to more theater.  I hope he doesn’t take after me though.  My acting is non existent and has never appealed to me.  I remember hating it from an early age in school. 

Are the libraries usually a place where kids hang out?  Or is it just the "geeky kids"?  I’m starting to wonder after our great experience yesterday.  I’m just glad we discovered it now when Daniel is craving new things to learn.   We are going back this weekend for sure. 

Categories: Daniel, Family, Geek section
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