It’s such a simple idea -- and that’s the power of the great American library.

You can be traveling anywhere -- the wilderness of Alaska, a desolate town in New Mexico, the biggest city in Southern California -- and you’ll always be welcome.

We’ve seen it again and again. Whenever we need a place to get a little Internet, research a specific topic, or simply have a place to hang out, we check out the local library.

Right now, for instance, we’re writing this column from the beautiful library in Carlsbad, N.M.

Why do we love them so much?

Maybe it’s the idea that everybody’s equal at the library. Rich people, poor people -- even homeless people -- can have access to an amazing amount of information, and nobody asks for identification when you walk in.

For RVers, libraries are especially inviting. They provide a place to sit down and become part of the local community. In short, they feel a little like being home.

We’ve had many favorite libraries along the way:

• Tiny Hope, Alaska, where we heard the librarian exchange theories about “Game of Thrones” with a local resident.
• Joseph, Ore., a warm and inviting place that felt like a living room.
• The gorgeous facility in Ketchum, Idaho, complete with a warming fireplace and musical instruments available to borrow.
• The Raton, N.M., branch, where we spent several days working in a very cool 1917-era building filled with New Deal-era artwork.
• The Pasadena, Calif., central branch, a building as ornate and beautiful as any we’ve seen.
• Friendly Moab, Utah, where we picked up a free book and did research on where to travel in Colorado and Arizona.

There have been other nice libraries, from Aspen to Alamogordo, and we can be sure we’ll see many more in the future. They’re like our national parks, always there, waiting to be experienced.

 

New Mexico recommendations

As we traveled through southern New Mexico recently, we were lucky enough to run into an experienced RVer in Truth or Consequences who gave us two very good tips on places to stay. If you're headed to New Mexico, check them out:

• Valley of Fires BLM campground in the Tularosa Basin, site of massive volcanic eruption 5,000 years ago. It reminded us quite a bit of Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho.
• Brantley Lake State Park, a nice place to hang out while exploring nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

 

Texas time

Last week, we asked for recommendations on the Lone Star State, and thanks to our readers, we have lots of them.

We heard from Jacques Lemieux who had many ideas, from El Paso to Austin. He also offers interesting tidbits like this: “Look for a convenience chain called Buc-ee’s … find a big one and count on spending an hour or two wandering around. It's a great intro to the Texas mentality.”

Thanks Jacques! We’ll do it, and we appreciate all your tips.

We also heard from Bob Parish, who recommends checking out the Texan RV Park in Athens, Texas, “where you will find plenty to write about.” Yes, it turns out Texan RV Park is home of the National RV Training Academy, where we’d surely learn a thing or two. Thanks Bob!

 

This week’s Going Mobile question

Has Gonzaga fever reached Texas? If you know of any Bulldog-loving fans in the Lone Star state, tell us where we can find them. Send your answers to goingmobile@spokesman.com.

 

Want more? Check out Instagram photos from our road trip on Our Grand Tour.

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