If you were thinking Rome, as in the Roman Colosseum you know your historical architecture. What a creative building! I love visiting libraries and thank you Pam for sharing your library finds with us back here in Clarkston.
Did you know that in 1901 American Steel Magnate Andrew Carnegie donated $50,000 to build a library in Vancouver; if, the city would provide the land and support its operation annually with $5,000?
The original Carnegie library was heated by 8 fireplaces and featured special reading rooms:
- for ladies
- for children
- a chess room
- a newspaper reading room
- a picture gallery
- lecture hall
- and a 3rd floor historical museum.
The Carnegie building was used until 1957 when the library relocated; and, in 1995 moved again into the current building, built downtown with 106.8 million dollars. The old Carnegie Library is now used as a Community Center.
The new Central Vancouver Public Library hosts a meeting place - Library Square Conference Center, with 12,000 square feet of meeting space for events of any size - boardroom meetings, public lectures and gala receptions. The Library itself is a rectangular box surrounded by a colonnaded wall featuring reading and study areas . There is a green roof on top!
There is a YouTube video (3.5 minutes) that best gives you a feel for this incredible structure. It begins with the library opening its doors in the morning, and the number of patrons entering is outstanding. There is classical music accompanying this video, I encourage you to check it out: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSq5BQXpGzA
The following pictures feature the recent Vancouver Public Library, Central Branch:
exterior, interior and decorated for an evening gala...
Pam mentions the Seattle Public Library, its on her itinerary. I understand it is architecturally inspiring & it's on my list of libraries to visit someday, along with the above Vancouver Public Library. Have you visited an outstanding library this summer? If so, please share where!
July is almost over and one more month of summer to delight us. One more month to indulge in summer reading. I for one began the season with high ambitions of books to read. I've decided there are too many books calling my name and my attention span is limited. Michigan summers calls my name, and I enjoy her green fleeting pleasures. Soon, we will turn our attention to book group once again.
Remember, this discussion year will not begin until October 6th with
"The Husband's Secret" by Liane Moriarty. I will soon be posting information regarding
the author and the book.
Until then, enjoy each and every moment of summer wonderment..........