In October my mom and I checked out the Oneida Market. Then a couple of weeks ago, through my job, I had an opportunity to tour the Oneida Community Library. It seemed like I was meant to continue to get to know our Oneida neighbors.
Our tour of about 30 librarians pulled up to the library in a school bus. Kymberly, the the library’s youth librarian, took us inside, introduced us to the Library Director and set us loose. We wandered around taking a look at the library’s many nooks and crannies (and more than a few of us snapping photos) on our own for awhile and then broke into smaller groups for tours.
It’s a small library, a bit bigger than the neighborhood library where I work. The Oneida Community Library’s mission is to serve the Oneida community, but they welcome all users. Mostly it’s just like any other small library, but there were a few touches that set it apart. They had nice sized Native American book collections in both the adult area and the children’s area. There were also beautiful Oneida items like dolls, pottery and documents on display throughout the library; More evidence of the strong connection to culture and history on display in Oneida buildings. Finally, they offered popcorn to their patrons. It was posted as an “indigenous food” on their Facebook page, so I assume it’s made from their locally grown heirloom White Corn. I should have asked, darn it.
After our tour of the outside of the building where the Director pointed out and explained the meaning of each cultural detail, we headed inside for some homemade corn soup and fry bread made by another library employee. Piping hot right out of the Nesco, it was just the thing for a windy fall day (and an incredibly thoughtful and kind way to welcome librarians from around the state).
What stood out more than anything else at this library was that it felt warm and welcoming from the moment we entered. Each library I’ve visited over the years has a different feel. All but one has been friendly, but none of them compare to the unique feel of the Oneida Community Library. It felt as comfortable as (but neater and more organized) walking into my home. I could see how regular patrons would feel like part of a family there. And of course it got me to thinking about what else I was missing out on in the Oneida community. We’ll be continuing to get to know our neighbors in Oneida. Next stop Oneida Museum and Medicinal Plant Nature Trail!
To make Oneida Corn Soup try this recipe from Wisconsin Folks. You can find the corn at the Oneida Market. For more information about the Oneida Market check out my earlier post Getting to Know Our Oneida Neighbors.
I agree…the Oneida Library is a welcoming and comfy spot.