The Cousins Go to the Library

One of my very favorite places to visit is the public library. In fact just the other day I had a rare two hours to myself to go shopping at the mall. I came home with a top . . . and a library book. I later relayed this information to my sister who raised her eyebrows with something akin to disdain.

But this same sister was also eager to suggest that "The Cousins" visit the new library in downtown Vancouver. So Monday afternoon, we loaded up the vans and got our first glimpse of the fancy new house of books. It wasn't cozy and quaint, which is what I prefer in a library, but it was fun and impressive. The kids had a blast. And they didn't even need to worry about being quiet; the entire third floor is dedicated solely to children.

Come and join us at the Vancouver Community Library . . .



Where even walking through the front door is exciting. And twirly. (We left many fingerprints.)



It kind of has a children's-museum-meets-library atmosphere. Lots of cool structures and, of course, plenty of recycled materials. Because that's what we do in the 'Couv.



Bethie was in heaven. She could read all day. She does read all day.



The techno-savvy cousins, Clara and Little Miss Avery Kate . . .



Eden and Athan . . . er . . . I mean Ethan and Aidan . . . .



And finally my Little Miss, enjoying some solitude on the upper deck with Clifford, the Big Red Dog.

When we got back to the vans, we realized that Avery had left her doll "somewhere in the library." This is rather unfortunate in a place that boasts five levels and 83,000 square feet.

Thankfully, I happened to notice that there was a play section filled with dolls on the children's level. I ran back inside and sure enough, Miss Kate's doll, Mary Lynn, had been scooped up by someone and deposited in the play area. She had been completely undressed (Mary Lynn, not Miss Kate), with every stitch of clothing strewn hither and yon.

I explained to the little boy that was playing with Mary Lynn that Mary Lynn belonged to my daughter. I was grateful that he relinquished the doll without causing a scene. I scanned the floor for her attire, not sure of what she had been wearing when Avery had so carefully dressed her that morning. A kind gentleman helped by picking up piece by piece of doll clothing, "Is this it? Is this it?"

We eventually found it all, including a pair of tiny purple panties. It will be some time before I can erase the image of this older man lifting the wee undergarments and raising his eyebrows to ascertain whether or not they belonged to Mary Lynn. They did. I blushed. And high-tailed it back to the vans where my sister and eight children were eagerly awaiting my return.

There's never a dull moment, I tell you. Never a dull moment. Even at the library.