Greensboro Public Library has an impressive eight branches housing vital resources for all members of the community. This story is about the Glenn McNairy Branch, a unique, open-concept facility that is a book lover’s dream. The branch offers everyone an innovative, technological experience with laptops, tablets, 11 desktop computers, and free WiFi. And the generous amount of programs offered touch all ages, such as Preschool Story Time, Ready Readers Club, and Autism Afternoon which takes place one Saturday a month with trained staff. But the very best part of the library comes in the size and shape of a huge pirate ship that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Before you even walk in it is clear that this space is a cultural affair as the inspiring, rusted-metal, welded “Boat” by Matt Casto, adorns the reading garden. That’s right, there is even a reading garden!

Greensboro Public Library It can also be enjoyed from most of the sitting areas inside.

In 2006, voters approved $3.6 million to construct the 15,000-square-foot library built with community input throughout the project, and it was opened in 2014.

Greensboro Public Library It replaced the former Northeast Branch Library, which closed in July 2002, and was located further north to accommodate a growing population center without convenient access to library services.

The library’s name is in honor of Glenn Onslow McNairy, a lifelong resident of Guilford County and a valuable volunteer.

Greensboro Public Library The family’s history there goes back more than 200 years, and the land on which the library stands belonged to the McNairys.

Enjoy more art in the library, “Page Ahead,” by Leslie Scott.

Greensboro Public Library Scott worked with students at three area schools to create textured ceramic elements for the mosaics and other contributions to the piece.

And art comes in many forms at the library. It is not such a quiet place anymore, inviting interaction at every turn.

Greensboro Public Library

Here is the main attraction, the Navigator, which is a vibrant Teen Zone.

Greensboro Public Library

Arrgh — Some old pirates have taken over the ship!

Greensboro Public Library/Facebook

Another community favorite is the Cube Pro 3D printer, which uses design files to create objects from plastic polymer.

Greensboro Public Library

Take advantage of one of the community spaces. The Sandy Neerman Collaboration Center seats up to 15 people at large tables, offering monitors with multiple HDMI inputs.

Greensboro Public Library

But when the wind and rain come and bring the clouds, do not fret. Just remember, it is always the perfect weather for reading.

Greensboro Public Library/Facebook Stop by Glenn McNairy Library and fall in love, go on an adventure, or wherever your story takes you.

The library is open seven days a week.

Jacob K/FourSquare And if you just can’t get there, check out the digital collection.

The Glenn McNairy Library also offers many programs for adults. And while you’re in Greensboro, take a book and head over to The Cherry Pit Cafe and Pie Shop, and read it with a warm slice and a cup of coffee. Have you read any good books lately? If so, please tell us about them in the comments below.

Greensboro Public Library

It can also be enjoyed from most of the sitting areas inside.

It replaced the former Northeast Branch Library, which closed in July 2002, and was located further north to accommodate a growing population center without convenient access to library services.

The family’s history there goes back more than 200 years, and the land on which the library stands belonged to the McNairys.

Scott worked with students at three area schools to create textured ceramic elements for the mosaics and other contributions to the piece.

Greensboro Public Library/Facebook

Stop by Glenn McNairy Library and fall in love, go on an adventure, or wherever your story takes you.

Jacob K/FourSquare

And if you just can’t get there, check out the digital collection.

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Address: Glenn McNairy Branch Library, 4860 Lake Jeanette Rd, Greensboro, NC 27455, USA