The Library and Sunday Exploring

It's almost hard to remember what we did on weekends in Texas.  I know we were always busy.  Really busy.  Well, we aren't now.  And that little apartment, we had to get out.  The main branch of the public library had been recommended to us a few times, and J.R. needed a library card for a school field trip, so we took our open Sunday and made a day of it.  

This was unlike any library I have ever been to.  Unique to Norway?  Europe?  Or maybe it's just a big city thing and suburbia didn't quite measure up.  Now that I think of it, how often does one visit libraries when traveling?  Not so often for me.  From the moment we walked in, it was clear that this library was a destination.  It was buzzing with people - families, children, couples, students, The Deichman Bjorvika Public Library was a hot place to be on a Sunday.  It's worth remembering that almost all shops, including grocery stores, are closed on Sundays.  It's almost like you HAVE to spend the day with your family...

 

The library spans... 5 floors?  6?  7?  I'm not even sure actually.  It's huge!  We went straight to the children's section and never really left.  The English section isn't as extensive as I was hoping for, but at least it exists.  This is true for both children and adult books.  The kids all found a few interesting options though, and then went searching for a spot to read for a bit.  The kids area is full of nooks, crannies, tunnels, and small rooms to explore, and children are encouraged to make themselves at home.  Shoes off of course, and during the winter, snowsuits and heavy coats as well.  The most unusual part of the experience, for me at least, was the noise level.  This was not a calm and quiet library!  There were children running, laughing, some reading, playing, climbing - just being kids!  And this seemed to be totally acceptable behavior in the library.

After collecting our stack of books to check out, we went searching for a small snack or pastry before heading back for ice skating lessons.  We didn't find one.  But, we did find several other fun distractions!  The iconic Opera house is right next to the library.  We didn't explore the building itself much, but walked around the outside and along the waters edge.  It was a beautiful and sunny afternoon and a great hour to be outside.  And then the sun set and it was freezing again.  The kids wanted to feel the icy fjord water, and the play structures were a nice surprise.  

I believe the jagged structure in the middle of the water is a floating sauna.

We also found this strange playground right by the Munch Museum (which we have not visited yet), but only stayed for about 5 minutes because I was freezing and hungry.  The kids are looking forward to going back when it's warmer out!  Exploring new parks and playgrounds is quickly becoming a favorite activity over here!