I loved the Carnegie Library in Rhinelander Wisconsin. I remember the way the books felt in my hand – the serene atmosphere – the wonderful illustrations in the Beatrix Potter books – the way the children’s section smelled, that mix of dust and old paper and ink and furniture polish and just a hint of perfume. I’ve loved a lot of libraries since that one, but the the most enchanting of all is the one in Elk Rapids. Perched on an island, the rambling converted house has a sunporch overlooking the Bay, a great sledding hill, and the magical bridge to River Street, where the beautifully kept little garden invites us to explore. Babs Young was over there this week, and has captured the magic perfectly.
Posted in: Babs Young photos
Torch Lake Views 
p.j. grath
May 20, 2008
Enchanting is the perfect word for that lovely little library on an island. It’s like something in a storybook. And what a lovely photograph! Coincidentally, only today I was talking to someone in my bookstore about the Elk Rapids library.
Rhinelander, Wisconsin–is that where you’re from? We have often stayed overnight there on our way to the Twin Cities, and I love the beautiful blue glass dome of the–is it the county courthouse?
Gerry Sell
May 22, 2008
Ah Rhinelander, the ancestral lands. It’s one of a lot of places I’m from, but a special favorite. We lived there until I was ten, and I think it imprinted on me! Yes indeed, the courthouse has a lovely blue dome. And there’s a splendid public beach, and lots of sandy bottomed lakes and tall pines – my younger sisters laugh at me because whenever I’m back there I spend a lot of time sniffing and saying “Doesn’t that just smell wonderful?” Also Hodags of course, but that’s another post.