10 great places to find a nook and read a book

— -- It's enough to make librarians kick up their heels: We're nearing the end of Return Borrowed Books Week, we're just past Library Lovers Month, and National Library Week is April 13-19. That's reason aplenty to check in with NPR book commentator Nancy Pearl, author of Book Lust. She shares her list of favorite public libraries with Tim Smight for USA TODAY.

Louisville Free Public Library (Crescent Hill Branch)Louisville

Constructed in 1908, Crescent Hill is one of nine area public libraries endowed by industrialist/philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The elegant, columned building underwent a major renovation in the early 1990s, leaving its original design intact. "I especially love the children's wing, which has wonderful murals and a small, room-sized castle where kids can read, play and listen to stories," Pearl says. 502-574-1793; lfpl.org/branches/crescent-hill.htm

Snohomish LibrarySnohomish, Wash.

"What will immediately strike you when you walk into the Snohomish Library is the abundance of natural light," Pearl says. "Even during those gray and rainy winter days, it feels as though the windows are catching sunlight and magnifying it." Built in 2003, the spacious library of contemporary design "has lots of nooks and comfortable seating where you can settle down with a good book." 877-766-4753; sno-isle.org/page/?ID=1207

Cuyahoga County Public Library (South Euclid Branch)South Euclid, Ohio

"Built in 1928, this library is the former residence of William Telling, a wealthy Ohioan," Pearl says. "His mansion is like a dream of a library with beautiful leaded windows, a reading garden with a fountain and 26 different rooms." Among them: a greenhouse, an aviary and a cozy study. "Although the past is very much alive here, the needs of present-day library users — for new books, Internet access, discussion groups and homework help — are not neglected." 216-382-4880; cuyahogalibrary.org/branch.aspx?id=824

Rapid City Public Library Rapid City, S.D.