Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, totally worn out and screaming,
"WOO HOO, what a ride!"

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Saturday Snapshot

 Saturday Snapshot is hosted by At Home with Books. To participate in this meme post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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 Last week I  posted some exterior shots of the incredible and very beautiful library we have in my hometown. This week, I'm going to follow up with some photos of the interior. I think this is going to have to be a 3 part series because if I want to show you the gorgeous details, there are just too many photos for one post. I only wish you could see it in person!

This week I will focus on the main rooms when you enter the library - the Foyer, and the Reading Room and Reference Room, which are to either side of it. (I still have to show you the adorable children's rooms, local history room, auditorium...) Interior decorators used different styles of furniture and wood similar to those found in English homes of William and Mary and Queen Ann periods. The overall effect is stately yet comfortable. During the day the interior is filled with light from the skylight (from the cupola), french doors to the terrace and floor to ceiling windows. In the evening there is a warm glow from the lamps and chandeliers spread throughout the building. It's a place that makes you want to read!
A view of the Reading Room with cork floors, riff-sawn oak paneling and hand-carved ionic pillars separating the rooms. The main desk is to the right
Several seating areas with tables and lamps are available. French doors are open onto the terrace
Cozy seating near large windows and wooden bookcases
Ceilings are made of hand molded plaster
Hand-carved wooden eagle and antique globe in the Reference Room
Oil portrait of founder over main desk in foyer
Details of intricate carvings made from English lime wood that took Swiss carvers a year and a half to complete
The three main doorways have a carving above them. This one represents the Hive of Industry
Closer detail shows the Lamp of Knowledge. The remaining carving is of the Tree of Life

16 comments:

  1. Gosh, it's even better inside than out. If I lived there I'd never want to leave - I would be quite happy curled up in one of those chairs with a book. My Snapshot is at http://goo.gl/UR1qO

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    1. It's a great place to get books and read books!

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  2. Wow, that's stunning! I want to move to the library!

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  3. What a grand library that is! I could spend a lot of time in a room like that.

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  4. It looks so stately and palatial - like it should be a presidential library or something. You are so lucky to be able to have access to such a place!

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  5. Wow! It's lovely. Looks more like a museum-home than a library. I do wonder, though...do other rooms have more books in them?

    http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2012/09/saturday-snapshot-orange.html

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    1. I noticed that from these angles it doesn't look like there are many books but I promise there are plenty! There are also two areas in the basement for the older books from the children's and adult's sections.

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  6. It does look like a museum. I know you say there is a chilren's area, but I'd be afraid to take Gage there!

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    1. Oh no you wouldn't! :)
      Everything is very solid and sturdy. Many children have run across these floors, climbed on the chairs and touched the walls. It was meant to last and to be used, not just admired.

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  7. Libraries are the best invention ever. Yours is gorgeous. Why can't I spend every day in a library? Here's Mine

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  8. I can't get over the beauty of your library. It is absolutely gorgeous. When I win the lottery, I'm going to come visit!! I wish *sigh*

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  9. Wow! I love your library...and I'm obsessed with French doors....I think if we had a library like this, I would spend all my time there!

    Thanks for sharing...and for visiting my blog.

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    1. This library has French doors all over the place! You would love it!

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  10. That is exactly what a library should look like. Beautiful!

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  11. What an amazing building! Just like a library should look. Great photos.

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