Are these real public libraries with books that normal people can buy, or some type of archive of antiquated stuff where you have to give a good reason for why you want to borrow something before you get to touch anything?
Because public libraries sure don't look like that... O.o (Public libraries in Denmark can't afford to look like that. The one where I live is rubbish. They don't seem to have enough space. If something hasn't been checked out in a few months it goes into storage. I can't even begin to count the number of times I've wanted to borrow something and then given up in advance because I couldn't be bothered to first find a librarian, tell them what I wanted (often repeated several times) and then wait for fifteen minutes while they walk a million miles to the storage area and back. Seems less of a hassle to just go and find something else instead.)
A lot of these are images of church/monastary libraries - there's a really cool photo of the Vatican Library - and university libraries. The public libraries in my hometown sure don't look like this! But there's also a photo of the Boston Public Library (which is GORGEOUS) and open to the public
That third photo looks pretty rad to me! Vancouver Public Library is very modern and clean-looking. Maybe not as ornate and baroque as the private libraries, but it's pretty cool anyway.
This piece of fug is what we have in San Jose:
( ... )
I think that VPL branch will stand the test of time - a nice mixture of classic and modern. It gets great light, which is important for as drizzly a city as Vancouver, and it makes great use of vertical space. Koerner Library at UBC is another great one for letting in light (though the stairway swelters in sunny weather). It's not really anthing fancy on the inside but I love the outside design: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benwest/4048722359/
We have the Seymour Public Library, which I think is pretty nice for a public library in a small city. It was designed by the same guy who did the New York Public Library.
I love and want ALL those libraries. For myself, I adore the Reading Room at the State Library of Victoria. It isn't laden with books like these ones (they are in other parts of the library) but there is a reference library, and all the books and material that has to be ordered and brought out especially can be read in here. It's full of natural light, and quotes are inscribed on the walls. The old wooden tables have descreetly placed power points so you can still use your laptop. It's like a High Church of Reading.
Comments 16
Reply
Because public libraries sure don't look like that... O.o (Public libraries in Denmark can't afford to look like that. The one where I live is rubbish. They don't seem to have enough space. If something hasn't been checked out in a few months it goes into storage. I can't even begin to count the number of times I've wanted to borrow something and then given up in advance because I couldn't be bothered to first find a librarian, tell them what I wanted (often repeated several times) and then wait for fifteen minutes while they walk a million miles to the storage area and back. Seems less of a hassle to just go and find something else instead.)
Reply
Reply
Reply
This piece of fug is what we have in San Jose:
( ... )
Reply
I think that VPL branch will stand the test of time - a nice mixture of classic and modern. It gets great light, which is important for as drizzly a city as Vancouver, and it makes great use of vertical space. Koerner Library at UBC is another great one for letting in light (though the stairway swelters in sunny weather). It's not really anthing fancy on the inside but I love the outside design: http://www.flickr.com/photos/benwest/4048722359/
Reply
We have the Seymour Public Library, which I think is pretty nice for a public library in a small city. It was designed by the same guy who did the New York Public Library.
Reply
http://www.thecollectormm.com.au/private/LibraryDome.jpg
This picture doesn't capture the feeling of it at all, but it's the best I culd do.
Reply
http://juiced.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/statelibrary.jpg
Reply
Leave a comment