Underappreciated by its rough-hewn community, the White Pine County Library is an oasis. This is a…read more*real library*, filled with real books enriching one in knowledge. During an era plagued by "postliterate" information of increasingly dubious worth or fatuous quality, we need more institutions like this. This small town library outshines any in Clark County, the intellectually desolate hub of which is Vegas. There are classic books of all genres befitting a small town library, of course. But there also are a wide variety of offerings going back 100 years befitting a mining town and county seat, of caliber usually becoming for a library of higher education. The geological, hydrological, and geographic collection is very good. The historical records are singular and comprehensive of the area. Local papers are on microfilm, bless them. And the Nevada section is nonpareil, with some quite rare reference items. The staff keep up with the times as budget allows. Computers are available for the usual online and offline work; the internet connection is very fast fibre optic. So far as I am aware, this is the only publicly available 3D printing site in White Pine county, with printing at or close to cost of ABS, for which the staff are well trained. There is the nucleus of a makerspace here. Services for children are fun and copious. The kid's area is bright and cheersome, though could use a bit more for Middle Ages kidlit. With the park across the lane, it's a cinch for travellers to stop here for a rest. The Ely library could likewise use a few more events and services for adults. The ILL options are necessarily limited by what is tenable for a small rural library. Some more scholarly journals or deeper online access would not be amiss. But these are minor wishes cast in background of the marvellous work done by these librarians with very little support. Ely town should treasure its library far better than it does. But at the White Pine County Library, a patron is still a patron. (Not just an anonymous "customer", side glancing at you again, Clark County). Once the seriousness of a patron's interest is demonstrated, understandable given the transience of the local town population, the staff are amenable to helping in all areas of research as they can.

I travel extensively and have been in countless libraries. The Ely library I rate as one of the…read morebest due to quietness, unlimited time length permitted on the computers, lack of staff with attitudes. However, they have 1 big problem: the mice they have installed on the computers are the worst! Be prepared to waste time using them no matter how often you knock it against the table to work right. Patience is necessary. (And yes, the staff knows the patrons are fed up with the crappy mice.)

Just across the street from the fabulous Eureka Opera House is the equally distinctive Eureka…read moreCounty Court House. This beautiful 2-story brick building was completed in 1880 at a cost of $38,000 and refurbished about 1995. It's well worth the short period of time to stroll through this most impressive historical structure. Gayle and I wandered into this working government building and spent most of our time inside the well-preserved 2nd Floor Courtroom, which included impressive woods and a preserved flag from earlier Silver State political days. We also enjoyed walking throughout the building and peaking into various offices that featured both historical touches and modern government building services. Tip - There a nice public restrooms on the first floor.