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Last week we asked for Cultural Venues, and we enjoyed a great response. If you take a look at the home page for the challenge, you’ll see we’re working on one of those prompts that might be considered cultural venues, but are more specific. This week, we’re looking for ‘Libraries and Bookstores.’

My feature photo this week is a little free library next to a community garden near where our daughter lives, where people rent plots to plant vegetables and flowers.

This Friday, November 7th, several of us bloggers are asking you to post a flower or a black and white photo on your blog, in memory of Cee Neuner. Your photo can be the subject of your post, or just a photo you add to a different post. Visit either my blog (https://noFacilities.com), or Marsha’s (https://alwayswrite.blog/), or both and leave a link to your post. The black-and-white pictures can be on any topic, but Marsha reminded me that Cee particularly loved bridges and old barns. Post a photo and, if you like, add a thought about Cee or your experience with her challenges. Reminders, links and the publishing schedule will follow in the coming weeks. You can also link up at Cee’s Which Way Challenge which is now managed by Deb Waters. Deb will be featuring Which Ways with B&W photos beginning on the 7th.

Note: I plan to put my post up early enough for the folks in Australia to join as their day starts. You can use the hashtag @1Day4Cee and you can use the badge below if you like.

1Day4Cee Badge

Six of Dan's books
The Dreamer’s Alliance and Rascal Todd Mysteries on “display” on the Gateway Clipper.

If any of those look interesting, you can find them all here. PS, they are all also available in audiobook format. I used KDP’s Virtual Voice, but I edited each book in its entirety, and I really like the way they turned out. And, as far as audiobooks go, they are a bargain.

96 responses to “Libraries and Bookstores — CFFC”

  1. Wonderful examples of one of my favorite subjects!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Dawn. These are the best buildings.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. great variety – grand to the Little Free Library shots – :)

    Liked by 1 person

  3. These are wonderful, Dan! I’m partial to the subject as our youngest son is the librarian here in our village.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Nancy. I love how libraries continue to adapt to the changing world and still find a way to be wonderful.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. A pleasure, Dan. Libraries are the last bastion in a device-driven society, not without some conformity. Many offer classes, lectures, computer accessibility, newspapers, Children’s Story Hour, etc. For some it is a safe haven. Libraries are so much more than a building with books. Our library is thriving …. a wonderful thing for everyone.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Hi Dan, I do love these little libraries they are beginning to pop up over here in the UK too. Our Libraries sadly are slowly but surely disappearing. 💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow. Our town refused to build a new library as the old one (in an old house) was deteriorating. A private group organized and did fundraising to build the building which, initially, the town refused to support. When it became clear that people wanted a nice library, the town finally started paying for it.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Well done they showed the the town council what what 💜💜

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Wow. Your town library looks a lot like ours — very nice indeed, but not nearly as inviting as Bennett, Thayer, Williston, the Hartford branch, or Whereabouts Unknown. And a caboose library! Not to mention Page the Bookworm! Thanks for a great start to the week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I suspect our library was built with plans from LibraryPlans.com since it was a resident based effort. The town, initially, refused to support a new library. Maybe we bought plans from your town. I know we did that with our high school, which looks like schools all over the country. Page the Bookworm is an annual fun event. I think it’s one of the cooler things our library does. Have a great week!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I spend hours in bookstores

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Me too! I can’t walk by without stopping.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m exactly the same

        Liked by 1 person

  7. […] Libraries and Bookstores — CFFC Deja Vu, second hand bookshop near Salamanca Place, Hobart. […]

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  8. There are some grand library buildings here. I love the little free libraries too, they are such a great way to encourage people to read. I also really like the idea of books and ice cream together.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Books and ice cream do go together well ;-)

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Libraries were my favorite places as a child. I don’t visit them often enough these days, Amazon delivery is just too damn easy.
    😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I will be visiting our library again soon. I miss it.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Libraries, bookstores, and remembering Cee – nice way to start the week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Judy. I hope you have a great week.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. I am always impressed with the depth of your photo archives, Dan, and this post is no exception. My goodness, some fine examples of libraries, bookstores, and doors!

    Bennett Library and its front doors are beautiful. I love the singular light above the door, modest and effective.

    *My favorite photo is Williston Library. Wow! What a great entrance. I love all the light and shadows of the trees you captured. Seems like it was a breezy day you captured great movement on the beautiful brickwork!

    I love the columns and gable (Romanesque, I think) of the Thayer Public Library. I did not see any signage. Is it still used as a library, I wonder? What a pristine roof for a building that I am guessing is from the 1900s? It sure is well-maintained building.

    Love all the examples of the neighbourhood book exchanges, “take a book, leave a book” displays. Whenever I see one of these little boxes, it makes me smile. Libraries and books are my first happy place followed closely by, trains…and on the topic of trains! What a cool idea of using a Reading Railroad Northeastern caboose, a fine historical specimen, still looking outstanding as a children’s library at one time.

    Great theme and wonderful examples, Dan. Very comprehensive!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzette, I’m glad you liked this post.

      The caboose library is a very good story. When I grew up in that town, we didn’t have a library. The Carnegie Library Bookmobile stopped in the train station parking lot once a week. Later, the town formed a library in the train station, which was very small, so they bought the caboose to be the Children’s Library. The train station and caboose are now the home of the town’s historical society, as the library outgrew the building and moved into an old elementary school (that was built when I was in 2nd grade).

      The Williston Library is on the campus of Mount Holyoke College which I visited during Covid. Many classes were still being held remotely, so the campus was almost empty.

      The Thayer Public Library still serves the town of Braintree, MA, at least according to the town’s website.

      I hope you have a wonderful week!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Dan, for the excellent information on the history of that caboose and the Bridgeville train station. It is wonderful to see these old train cars repurposed and put to good use. I cannot think of anything more rewarding and useful than a children’s library. Thanks, Dan, for the great share.

        And I hope you have a wonderful week as well.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Libraries are always interesting, at least in my book.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. 🙄😂 Nice one, GP.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Great collection of libraries and book stores, especially the bookstore with the added attraction of ice cream. What fun to see Page the Book Worm again!

    Your town library is very impressive. Ours is in a Carnegie building, old but unique. The kids must have loved going into the caboose to get books.

    The Williston Library is an awesome building. “Whereabouts Unknown” and the Bennett Library really caught my eye.

    My cardiologist’s office has devoted a corner of the waiting room where they placed a table for the purpose of ‘Take a book, leave a book’. Nice!

    Enjoy the coming week.

    ginger🦋

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a great idea for the waiting room. Much better than months old magazines. Given how long it takes to get taken in, I should leave one of my books there. Maybe I could grow a fan base ;-)

      I used to love going to the Bookmobile when I was a kid. I think I would have loved the caboose. One of the best parts of going to the Bookmobile is that a train usually came by while we were there and my mother would let me go outside to watch.

      The Williston Library is on the campus of Mount Holyoke College. I wish I could remember where “Whereabouts Unknown” was located..

      I hope you have a great week!

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  14. I can never pass up a book store. Or a little free library. These are all wonderful, Dan, but that Free Public Library-Parts Unknown-looks like the perfect place to read a book. Great photos, every one of them.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Lois. Good places where you can sit and read are so hard to find. Our library is nice, but it’s a little sterile. No big comfy chairs.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. […] Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Libraries and bookstores […]

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  16. An impressive array of libraries – but never forget: it’s not about the outside, it’s what’s inside!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. A lovely collection of libraries, Dan. The Bennett library is a stunner,

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks John. That library is in Billerica, MA, which is north of Burlington. About 20 miles NW of Boston, as the crow flies. Or two hours in rush hour traffic ;-)

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Fantastic collection of library photos, Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like them Dave.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Yes, the Willinston Library entrance is magnificent. The caboose is too cute. All great images.

    Mine are here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed these. I liked yours a lot.

      Like

  20. I love all of these photos of different libraries, Dan. The Duluth architecture really caught my eye. What a unique building!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That really is an interesting library, Jan. You can see the west shore of Lake Superior from there, so it’s perfect.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Some of those Libraries are in fabulous buildings. I liked Whereabouts Unknown, and the stone buildings. I’ll try to get something up for Cee.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah. I love these buildings. I look forward to seeing what people put up for Cee.

      Like

  22. […] CFFC – Fun Foto Challenge: books and libraries […]

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  23. I do like the little libraries. We don’t have those in SA. Everything gets stolen.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Most of the ones around here escape that fate, but some get vandalized (which is stupid).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, but the type of people who vandalize are also disrespectful towards teachers and learning institutions.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. That’s a good point.

          Liked by 1 person

  24. I’m partial to the old libraries built in the 19th-century. They had so much character.

    We have lots of Little Free Libraries in New Hampshire and Vermont. My husband and I keep a box of books to donate in the car.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s a great idea! I like the older libraries, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Two of my favourite places in the world!! Some great photos. I especially love those Little Free Libraries.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Darlene.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Oh my, I love libraries and whenever I travel, I try to visit one or more. Great photos, Dan…. 🌞

    Liked by 1 person

  27. All of these photos are wonderful, Dan. I’ve always loved the idea of the little free libraries. I’ve been working on my post all day. I wish I were faster. Anyhow, I’ll post it Wednesday. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CFFC runs the entire week, Teagan. No pressure. I do enjoy seeing little free libraries. I humorously mentioned them in my last book.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, you did, and it was a great touch.

        Liked by 2 people

  28. Libraries are beautiful in all ways. Thanks for the great selection. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love libraries, Kerfe.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. […] For the CFFC with the theme of libraries or bookstores […]

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  30. […] for this challenge. A few days after Hallowe’en decorations had not been removed. In his post for this challenge Dan Antion (the host of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge) also has a little free […]

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  31. My first time joining in this challenge. Looking forward to seeing everyone’s work. Loved the Williston and Thayer buildings Dan. Here is my entry for the week. https://threwmikeseyez.com/2025/11/04/word-buildings/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for joining us, Mike. Your photos are great choices.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Libraries are so important.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They really are, and I am happy that they keep finding ways to remain relevant.

      Liked by 1 person

  33. I bought a little free library box for Ada and she stocks it . I think they’re a good thing . I tried building one first , but realized that my carpenter skills are seriously missing , and so I abandoned the project.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think they’re a great idea. I’ve thought about building one, but I’m sure the design would get out of hand.

      Like

      1. Build a simple one.

        Liked by 1 person

  34. […] Dan’s CFFC – Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge — Libraries and […]

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  35. Such exquisite examples of libraries…big and small! I’m a huge fan of all the Little Free Libraries around my neighborhood. Some are absolutely architectural delights!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I love the Little Free Libraries, and you’re right, some are delightful designs.

      Liked by 1 person

  36. There are a lot of Little Libraries around my neighborhood. There’s even a Little Art Library where people give and take little pieces of artwork.

    https://thisandthatablog.blogspot.com/2025/11/libraries-and-bookstores-cffc.html

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  37. […] Monday, Dan Antion posted this week’s Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge (CFFC).   The topic was […]

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  38. I like that there are those little free libraries all around places. I think we have some here but I’ve never seen one. :)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do like seeing them. We only have a couple in town, both near schools.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. Thanks, Dan. Here’s my post which includes a 19th century photo of Tintern Abbey, which at one time included a monastic library. Hugs.

    Whatnot Wednesday Libraries: #CFFC, Writing, #ThursdayDoors – Teagan’s Books

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  40. Dan, I am so happy I found out that you continue with Cee’s prompts, I was inactive for some months and my heart just jumped when I saw one of the post today in my Reader and it brought me to you blog. I used to participate a lot in Cee’s challenges, it was always such a delight and fun. I will continue where I left and will be contributing here. Thank you for keeping her memory alive

    https://fewwordsuncountablecolours.com/2025/11/05/libraries-and-bookstores-cffc/

    Liked by 1 person

  41. […] Libraries and Book Stores… Not sure if I have anything for that 😢 Well, actually, maybe I do but just don’t expect a plethora of shots 😅 […]

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  42. An interesting subject Dan that you have covered very well 😎👍

    Liked by 1 person

  43. […] Fun Foto Challenge: Libraries and Book Stores […]

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  44. Just wonderful, Dan! I loved these libraries!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad, Jennie. You understand the beauty of books.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I do. Thank you, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

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