21 Libraries That Will Make You Say "Damn, That Is CLEVER"

    Librarians: They're smarter than all of us.

    1. This library lets patrons text a noise hotline to report any disturbances.

    2. This library's stools are made from discarded and damaged books.

    3. This library has a noise meter that lets visitors know when they're being too loud.

    4. This library tells visitors how much money they've saved by borrowing books when they check out.

    5. This library has a special directory for sensitive topics, in case a visitor isn't comfortable asking a librarian for help.

    6. This library eliminated all fines so visitors facing financial hardship aren't discouraged from checking out books.

    7. This library has a "cone of silence" booth for visitors to take phone calls in.

    8. This library lets visitors check out cake pans and other baking supplies in addition to books.

    9. This library has a beehive (sealed, of course!) in their children's section so kids can learn about the importance of bees.

    10. This library used to be a church, and they kept all of the spectacular architecture in the new design.

    11. This library created a special section just for books that have been banned throughout history.

    12. This library has a section of "anti staff picks," full of books that the librarians hate.

    13. This library's mystery section has a ~secret~ bookshelf for visitors to find.

    14. This library has a community jigsaw puzzle that anyone can help complete.

    15. This library has an area where visitors can borrow and listen to records.

    16. This library offers ~mystery bags~ full of books that visitors can check out based solely on the genre.

    17. This library lets kids and teens "pay" their overdue fines by reading more books.

    18. This library's wall is actually full of seats you can pull out as needed.

    19. This library has a "Readbox," where visitors can check out a book AND its movie adaptation at the same time.

    20. This library installed a vending machine at a local train station, where commuters can check out books for free.

    21. And finally, a simple but VERY clever trick: This library turns over the books on the bottom two shelves to make the titles easier to read without crouching. GENIUS.