Library Love

Posted by: Crystal King on: September 11, 2007

• In: Writing
• Comment!

Found via Classical Bookworm, two new things for me–first, a new bookmark, Curious Expeditions, which, like Cabinet of Wonders, explores curious and interesting things in the world.

Second, beautiful pictures of libraries via the new Curious bookmark. You must visit and see all the gorgeous photos.

The Boston Public Library is there, and the old, original section is one of the most magical places in the city, IMHO. The new bit? Not so much. I used to live a block away, on Newbury, when I first moved to the Boston area. On evenings and afternoons I had alone I would go to the old section to read and write and bask in the beauty of the building and its garden. I always bring friends visiting to see the library. I have many old turn of the century postcards of the library, actually, and the building is much the same as then, full of classical images, mosaics and rooms with dark wood and even one with a fireplace (which, sadly, I’ve never seen lit).

I’m surprised that the Boston Atheneum was not included–it’s a small but beautiful library with a rich history. It’s a hidden gem in the heart of the city.

Some of my favorites found at Curious Expedition are below…make sure you visit though, there are dozens of incredible photos.

Library of the Benedictine Monastery of Admont, Austria

Wasn’t the library below in the (albeit quite bad) movie League of Extraordinary Gentleman?

Handelingenkamer Tweede Kamer Der Staten-Generaal Den Haag, the Hague, Netherlands

Strahov Theological Hall, Strahov Monastery, Prague – Original Baroque Cabinets

Ohhhhh I just love libraries. Clearly I’m not the only one who has loved them over the years or there wouldn’t be such money, art and care spent creating these special places.

Tags: architecture, Art, beauty, Books, boston, cool, Learning, Libraries, photos