Big Reads in a Small Town – The Minneola Schoolhouse Library

Earlier this week, I took some time to visit my neighborhood library, which is literally within walking distance from my home. The Minneola Schoolhouse Library is a wonderful landmark here in beautiful Lake County, Florida. Housed in a building that was built in the late 1800s, one cannot miss the timeless nostalgia of this old town monument. This historic property was originally a schoolhouse with two classrooms and a bell tower. Inside, you will find beautiful wood finished floors and original pictures of the schoolhouse from over 100 years ago.

In 1915, Lake County merged schools and eventually built a larger new elementary school in Clermont.  Minneola's original schoolhouse was then closed down and it was later converted into a private residence. The homeowners decided to make some additions to the building, including adding on an enclosed porch, a living space and kitchen. Some of these features were later removed to return the building back to its original appearance. 
 

 
Today, the public library offers a wonderful space where patrons can literally step back into the past and enjoy a piece of history alongside a good book. There is a full section solely devoted to children’s books, five fully equipped computer stations and free Wi-Fi available for the tech savvy visitors. I have spent many a mornings at the lovely Minneola Schoolhouse Library. If you are ever in the neighborhood, check out the Minneola Schoolhouse Library and their friendly staff.


The library has a Friends Group, Front Porch Book Club, frequent Family Story Times, and other wonderful seasonal events and happenings throughout the year. Also check out their lovely outside gated garden with additional shaded seating. Another favorite place of mine to enjoy a good book or work on writing mine!

 

 

 

Amazing Books Worth Second Looks - Mark Z. Danielewski's "House of Leaves" and "The Familiar"

Recently, I heard about Mark Z. Danielewski's newest installment to his latest work The Familiar. Volume 1 released this past May and volume 2 is set to release in October. To say the least, Danielewski's work is nothing short of uniquely mind-blowing. In the past, Danielewski's work has been termed as a cutting edge form of art that cross the most progressive of literary thresholds.

Danielewski's The Familiar - Volume 1

A page from The Familiar - Volume 1

Danielewski has been categorized as a writer of ergodic literature and a major pioneer among postmodern sign-iconic literature. Known most notably for his work The House of Leaves, published in 2000, he uses his ability to breathe life into macabre and satirical style horror with poignantly gritty prose.

I first discovered Danielewski shortly after aptly falling in love with his sister Poe's 1995 debut album "Hello." There were references to the House of Leaves among eerie little audio "footnotes" located in the pregaps between some of  Poe's tracks. Her music is lulling, mesmerizing and addictive, the perfect companion to Danielewski's work. Her later album "Haunted" also offers more areas to explore and provides a better understanding of the novel The House of Leaves. 

Danielewski's House of Leaves

A page from House of Leaves

I remember holding The House of Leaves in my hands and finding myself fascinated by the seemingly odd layout and jarring imagery of the words (or lack there of) on the pages. The story revolved around a house presumed to be haunted and the significant impacts it has on the characters in the story. To this day it has never been revealed why Danielewski decides to color the word house in blue throughout the book, but it is among the many strange fascinations that live within this masterpiece.

As for Danielewski's latest work, I am thrilled and excited to delve into The Familiar, Vol. 1 - A Rainy Day in May and the upcoming Vol. 2 - Into the Woods. Danielewski is planning on publishing 27 installments in all. It seems we have much more to look forward to from this cult classic author! :)