As you know I flew recently and therefore experienced Chattanooga’s little airport. It was easy to navigate, had excellent signage, the staff was friendly and knowledgeable and it was clean to boot! It would have been a perfectly acceptable experience on its own but Chattanooga threw in a bonus that really made my day.

The Chattanooga Library’s Friends of the Library has a bookstore in the airport! Why don’t all FOLs do this? It made my little librarian heart SING. The store was set up using the honor system and provided digital and physical ways to pay for purchased books. I chose a David Baldacci thriller I haven’t read yet. Paid for it by slipping three dollars into a locked drawer with a slot on top. Simple. Quite analog and DONE. Others could use personal checks, credit cards or Paypal (using the provided computer). Neatly organized bookshelves ran the walls with plenty of white space available for tasteful, local art. The store was set up in an easy, user-friendly style with clear categories and even had its own children’s section complete with pint-size table and chairs.

The area was quiet, well-lit, had cozy chairs and properly-placed tables and was immediately welcoming with a human touch though no human was present when I entered. I could tell thought had really gone into its design. I don’t know the details of the arrangement between the library system and the airport. I don’t know if rent is involved or if they just chip in to pay utilities for an unused space or if private donations cover expenses. I haven’t a clue. I just know if other FOLs and their airports did something along these lines the world would be a much better place.

If you’re interested in further reading: http://www.friendsofthelibrary-chattanooga.com