Isn't it Delightful?

Photos by Henry Tom and Bill Timmerman

Three of the top 10 landmark libraries from the Library Journal are in Phoenix.  Something cool is going on out there and I’m determined to figure it out.  The landmark libraries were chosen from new or renovated libraries from the last six years and judged on “design excellence, response to community, sustainability, functionality, innovation, beauty” and get this … “delight”.  

Poor Dewey is probably rolling over in his grave.  He was all about order and so not into delight.  When we encounter delight we smile, laugh and feel good.  We lighten up, slow down and enjoy the moment. Who could argue that we have enough delight in the world?  

The zoo is packed with delight.  People from all walks of life stand in the smelly monkey house and laugh outloud as the monkey chase each other and perform gravity defying feats.  The Buffalo Zoo added an otter exhibit a few year ago and I think my daughter and I could stand there all afternoon watching the otters wrestle, pounce and splash into the water.  Watching animals play, either in the zoo, on you-tube or in the living room is delightful because the animals are so carefree and absorbed in their play.

The Cesar Chavez Library in Phoenix serves up delight to its customers at every turn.  The sleek, low slung building, at the edge of an urban park overlooks a giant man made lake, always a refreshing sight in the desert, that is replenished by rainwater funneled from the library’s green roof.  Patrons can enjoy the beauty of the site on the outdoor reading patio which is usable throughout the year thanks to recycled air blown from the interior air conditioning. A giant cantilevered roof adds to the dramatic design of the building and protects the space from the desert sun.

The reading garden features a 55 foot mural highlighting the life and work of Cesar Chavez.  The mural was designed by Karen Koblitz and includes milestones from Chavez’s life and highlights his commitment to education, literacy and the environment.  A Mexican tree of life stands proudly in the middle of the work which also includes images of farm workers and a family portrait.  The mural was made from 1,200 lbs. of clay and the $95,000 costs was picked up by the city’s fund for public art.

The article in Library Journal also describes interactive displays for young children, a recycled sculptural security fence and a ceiling suspended kite sculpture. This is a space clearly designed to make people smile, to help them find delight in everyday life and connect with simple pleasures, all things we sometimes forget in our frantic quest to get through each day.  Since a trip to Phoenix isn’t in my future :( I thought of a few things that do delight me - besides books and the library...   

Ten things I think are delightful:

• gardens (especially if you planted it)
• public fountains
• lightening bugs
• large whimsical sculpture
• hot homemade bread
• wild blueberry bushes
• ladybugs (in small doses)
• snow days
• fireworks
• rainbows (cliched but true)

Take time today to look around and discover some delight in your life.