Written by Library Planet editor Marie Eiriksson, library consultant at Gladsaxe Public Libraries, Denmark.

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Recently I was lucky enough to be able to go to Næstved Libraries and Citizens service to teach the staff about dyslexia friendly libraries.

Næstved libraries is a fairly new building and from the outside seemed very light and airy. This might not come across in the picture as it was pretty foggy.

The library is walking distance from the trainstation.

After I finished the training session I got a tour of the library from the very warm and welcoming staff. The library was a lot bigger than I expected it to be.

The first thing that caught my eye was the huge mural in the childrens departement.

Made by local childrens book author and artist Rasmus Breignhøi it is full of references and characters forms his own work as well as hints of his family and upbringing in Næstved. A group of small children were trying to find all the characters from his books as I walked by.

The second thing to catch my eye was the teen and YA corner. Graffiti and chairs made of tired made for a cool vibe. I was there during school hours, so there was no teens during my visit. But the library is open to the public un till 10 in the evening, so I imagine it as a hangout space.

The library also had a brand new and well equipped gaming zone.

In addition to hosting gaming events they also do programs for parents to better understand that aspect of their kids life. As a parent of two almost preteens, I can really apreciate that.

The library is big and open and easy to navigate and the staff seemed to be everywhere.

Close to the main reference table and the citizens service desks is a small coffee cart, which made for an inviting waiting area and the wayfinding and signage for the two different parts were easy to understand.

Although I am not a childrens librarian I couldn’t help but notice those areas the most. They were very playfull and inviting and the kids that I saw clearly loved it.

As I was leaving the library I got a look (but no picture) on their wall of fame signed by authors and artist who have visited the library. I thought this was a nice way to highlight good programs.

I really enjoyed the visit.

Uh and also, they had a pirate ship for story hour. You can’t really go wrong with a pirate ship.