C. Burr Artz Public Library, Frederick, Maryland

The tourist information center in Frederick recommended we visit the local public library, claiming they have a fantastic children's room. We need no encouragement to visit a library, only a small map to get us there. With map in hand we headed off for a literary adventure.

The C. Burr Artz Public Library is visible from the Carroll Creek Promanade, but as we soon discovered, the entrance is on the opposite side of the building.

L looking for the library entrance

Once inside, we quickly discovered just how fabulous the children's room was. It's big enough to fit a house inside!

L unafraid to go into a strange house

Once inside, L discovered many stuffed animals and other licensed characters like Minnie Mouse and Dora the Explorer. The house also contains the three bears from the Goldilocks story. She made friends with one of them, probably since she didn't eat his porridge or break his chair or nap in his bed.

L--Goldilocks for a more enlightened age

Meanwhile, J and Grandpa worked on a puzzle. Then J read him an oversized book about owls.

Grandpa and J solve a simple puzzle

Grandpa turns pages while J reads to him

The children's room also includes a "Book Cave" where superhero types can hang out. I fear the little mad scientists who zombified their parents did not feel quite at home there, so all I've got is the cave by itself.

"Quick, to the book cave!"

The stacks were quite full of a large variety of books and the DVD collection was impressive as well. I'm sure the rest of the library is nice but we didn't see it. Except for a fine sculpture outside of a baseball player reading to some children. The sculpted book shows a page where the Star Spangled Banner is written. Francis Scott Key, who wrote the poem on which the US National Anthem is based, was born in the area.

Reading outdoors

Any library anywhere is recommendable, the C. Burr Artz Public Library is highly recommendable!