Don't ask to use the computer...there isn't one.

Nor is there a fax or copy machine. Just beautiful, wondrous books on most every subject.

Many in the Blair community aren’t even aware of the gem in their part of the world, but it’s there – the Blair Community Library, located at 1844 Old Blair Road.

The library is the creation of Lee Ona Blair, who lives next door. She and her friend Margie Buenrostro have been painting the building and arranging books for several months. Lee Ona’s husband built all of the bookshelves.

Not long ago, a lady noticed the “Blair Community Library” sign and stopped in to visit.

“I took great pleasure in showing her everything in the library and explaining how it came to be and that we operate on the honor system for checking out books,” Lee Ona said. “She seemed delighted with our library, and asked, ‘Is this for anyone?’”

“Of course,” Lee Ona told her. Even though the library is privately owned, everyone is welcome to use it.

“The only requirement to use the library is that you are in search of a good book to read,” she said. “If there is something you would especially like to read and the book is not in the library, I will be glad to get it for you. If your child has a reading list from school, I’ll get those too.”

When you visit the Blair Community Library, you may first have to visit with the Blair community dogs – Sandra Banana, a Chocolate Lab; Benny the Bandit, a white dog with brown eye patches; Zeb, part Rottweiler, part Lab, mostly big baby; Dixie, a black Lab and Taz, part Shepherd and Chow.

They are usually off somewhere having doggie adventures, but if they are around they will make quite a fuss. They are friendly and truly just want to check your pockets for doggie treats. Just ignore them and they will go back to their napping spots.

The library is always open. “If I’m home next door, I’ll probably join you, as I love meeting new people and visiting with old friends,” Lee Ona said. “If I’m not able to join you, please go on into the library and enjoy.”

So stop by soon. If you have a little time, Lee Ona will make you both a glass of tea or cup of coffee, and the two of you can talk about the books you’ve already read and what you want to read next.

Lee Ona loves to read.

“I like ‘Lonesome Dove,’ and books like that, books that you can’t put down,” she said.

Lee Ona and Margie have now finished all of the work on the library.

Her next project?

“I hope I have time to read a book!”