I believe I may have mentioned my affection for the Carnegie Library in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and for the library perched on an enchanted island in Elk Rapids. Thanks to libraries, I feel rich. I know I will never run out of stories.
Today we’re going to visit the Central Lake District Library, where you may borrow books and read magazines and use the internet and practice Spanish and munch popcorn at monthly movie nights. And, right now, you can see an exhibit of wood carvings by Bob and Yolanda Ayala.
As always, I’m having a hard time stopping at just two, so I put a gallery at the end. There was a nice article about the Ayalas in the Antrim Review a few years ago.
You can read more about Carnegie libraries in general, and spend some time thinking about how even the Robber Barons could get it right once in awhile. There’s a nice image of the Rhinelander Library in the Postcards Library collection. If you’re really loving this stuff (Hi, Dad! Hi, Cheri!) you’ll enjoy the history and postcards at Judy Aulik’s postcard site.
To see lots more captivating Ayala carvings, press “More” and click on the thumbnails for a larger view.
Torch Lake Views 
Babs Young
April 1, 2009
Gerry,
You know that the JRAC building in East Jordan is a Carnegie Library. I think there is even a portrait of Andrew Carnegie still hanging there.
Gerry
April 1, 2009
I did know that, but had forgotten. Must look for the portrait – it’s a good story to link to the library history sites.
Elva
April 1, 2009
Thank you, Gerry, for posting these carvings. They are awesome. You make me a little homesick when you show the library. I hope the display is still there when I get home next week. Good job.
Gerry
April 1, 2009
Thanks Elva! I’m pretty sure the carvings will be there awhile. I plan to visit them again myself. See you next week.
torchlakedays
April 2, 2009
Love the carvings… and so amazing that the guy who gave us the Johnstown flood also gave us libraries! 🙂
La Mirada Bob
April 2, 2009
The library link led me to look for postcards of libraries in places I lived in over the years. A pleasant way to spend a half hour, and many memories of books read.