Emily Fowler Central Library, Denton, Texas

After we visited the Blagg-Huey Library, we went less than a mile from campus to explore the Emily Fowler Central Library. There was significant parking to the front and sides of the building. We were impressed by the number of “staff only” parking spaces - sixteen! available. This tells us that the library sees a significant number of people to require that much guaranteed staff parking. The bike parking and bike repair station in front of the library also indicates a sizable portion of the population bikes to this location and uses it as a hub (ha ha).

As we were walking in, we saw a sign that indicated that the library is an Inclement Weather station. For those unaware, Inclement Weather stations provide relief from the elements by offering water and places to sit inside. With the upcoming summer season, we at Library Land Project urge readers to inquire if their local library is one as well.

The library design is an open concept with two levels rather than floors. There is a hold pick-up area and the circulation desk as soon as you walk in. As you walk further in, there are opportunities to browse for new items in the collection, computer and printer services, and areas where one can sit and enjoy a puzzle or game. Reservable study rooms are also on this level.

We moved up to the second level and were incredibly surprised that the children’s area was right next to the reference section. One would assume that children playing so close to those working in the Special Collections Research Area would be a cause for complaints. This prompted us to find the reference librarian and inquire about the layout of the building. 

We spoke to Dawn, the Public Services Librarian at this branch. Dawn was incredibly helpful in describing the changes made to reduce the possible complaints of this layout. Originally, the children’s area was where special collections are located now, right next to a set of study rooms that were first-come, first-serve. That arrangement did disrupt those trying to work. 

To address this, they moved the study rooms to the first level, and switched the children’s and reference departments around. The result made the space more usable for the different needs of its patrons. It was encouraging to see this kind of flexibility and openness to change. We also asked about the community. The Emily Fowler, along with two other branches in the city serve over 160,000 people, including students from the nearby Texas Woman’s University campus. How amazing!

We had to leave Dawn because a patron needed help. Our short conversation was worthwhile! As we were leaving the library, we saw there were garden areas where people can sit and enjoy the weather. This may be a small library, but the care it takes to be a support to its community is astounding.