Love to know what/where your favourite library is … and why? Is it the light, the history, the atmosphere, the cute librarian … We’re doing a story on libraries in an upcoming issue and would love to know your thoughts.
ps. We may quote you, but just on a first name basis, so relatively anon.
Thanks heaps! Df
Tags: 17 Comments
17 responses so far ↓
The State Library of Victoria in Melbourne – it is a beautiful building and the Dome reading room is spectacular! Although I am biased because I work there.
The window seats in the OPUB section of the Berkley Library at Trinity College, Dublin, for comfort, people watching, modern architecture, classical views… and feeling like you are hidden away where noone can find or disturb you.
The Early Printed Books section of the same library, because you have to go through a secret passage to get there.
The National Library of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin, for the beautiful round reading room, and the best toilets of any public building I’ve ever been in.
The main University library at the University of Pavia, Italy. Wooden panelling, rickety spiral stairs and the fact that you can just pick up and leaf through 18th century illustrated books.
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I’ve been thinking about libraries this morning too – for an upcoming story on great creative libraries around Asia – and because I was lucky enough to spend the morning working at Surry Hills Library yesterday and was so impressed by the atmosphere and design – I really did feel like I was hanging out on the street, thanks to the big windows and couches and tables at street level, or in a cafe on the strip, more than in a library.
So my list must include:
Surry Hills Library: http://cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/library/branches/SurryHillsLibrary.asp
TCDC in Bangkok:
http://www.tcdc.or.th/
(amazing! I’ll be writing about my visit there soon)
I’ll add more as I remember them.
The library at Slough, the maligned town of The Office fame.
Yes, it’s near that ugly roundabout and it’s in an area full of industrial parks and high unemployment. But the library is the best library I’ve ever been to – the collection spans over 3 large floors and the friendly librarians make a real effort to inspire and encourage reading. For instance, there were always displays of themed books to inspire you to pick up something that you may not necessarily choose or know about otherwise; or doing a secret book swap where you take home a book that someone else has recommended in a brown envelope; or pairing books together ‘if you liked x, try reading y’.
St Kilda Library on Carlisle St. The librarians have good tattoos and are generally pretty understanding if you have a fine.
Story Time rocks – sometimes Oliver Mann plays the banjo (well he used to). http://olivermann.com/
Worst – Frankston – a place where they should be trying to encourage library love – well, let’s just say they are less than understanding when it comes to fines….
Defintely the state library of Sydney. Its located near Martin Place and it’s so modern. A different style to the typical old-fashioned library with wooden shelves but it has its own style.
The National Art School Library Sydney as the staff are so incredibly great and nice, and they have a wonderful small Gallery space.
I second Robert Heather below. Not simply biased because of work, it’s my favourite library. It saw me through many essays with its high ceilings and productive atmosphere.
In Australia, the State Library of Queensland knocks all the other state libraries into a cocked hat.
State Library Queensland (SLQ) it’s got an energy about it that no other library I have been in has. Maybe it’s the view of the river or the stream of interactive events and activities they host or simply the books.. all I know is it’s just wonderful.
I have to say I am enthralled by the Queensland State Library despite my usual preference for the old and well worn. My favourite part – a fabulous glass walled reading room juts out (almost) over the Brisbane river – as you approach, halfway down the stairs, all one can see is the swiftly- flowing river.
The Library’s atmosphere is enlightened and uplifting, quiet… with a deep reverence for the experience of beauty in this public space. The hush is electric somehow!
There are rooms to be booked, every possible kind of seating, and space, some hidden, some open. Computers are accessed standing, sitting at 2 different heights and cross-legged on the floor.
I sense people feel privileged to be here. One cant quite believe that it is SO lovely, SO available and SO welcoming. The architects have domesticated this massive building …its both comfortable and comforting to be in.
There’s an indigenous story place outside with a big hearth for fires….and other spaces indoors given over to indigenous culture.
The cafe is a place to linger…a large outdoor section with overhanging roof …during a tropical storm one sits …watches…spell bound!
The WiFi corridor is externally accessed and busy 24 hrs a day with security patrolling. That is evidence of the community this place provides.
The director is known as an amazing forward thinking “bring ‘em in from all walks” doer – a woman of imagination to match the building!
ps did I mention its wedged between 2 great art galleries!…and when it HOT…there’s no better place to be!
Federation-era Woollhara Municipal Library Sydney, in a jewel of a setting overlooking flower-scented Blackburn Gardens and sparkling Sydney Harbour. It features a long slanted writing board that skirts the windows and a downstairs light-filled children’s library. Heaven.
Woollahra Library in Sydney. in part because it is where my adventures with reading and books began. but also because of the lovely Blackburn Gardens. a library with proximity to trees, a pond and a beach has to be a good thing!
The State Library of Queensland is amazing – so many activities, so many useful spaces.
Brisbane Square Library for the vibrant energy!
The librarians at the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) in Brisbane (next to SLQ) are so passionate about their work, and they get to support exhibitions.
Gold Coast has an amazing service – so much going on.
There are some small CLS libraries out there with amazingly passionate staff – vote 1 for Rhonda at Kilkivan.
And a big plug for our library service – Townsville. Multiple branches, passionate library staff, great programs…
State Library of Queensland in Brisbane – it has something for everyone but it’s difficult to describe in words. You need to see it, be in it, to understand Y.
And here are people’s comments from Facebook;
Vaibhav Garg: The Barr Smith Library in Adelaide Uni City Campus… because of the ornate roof and the sunlight streaming through the windows on a bright summer roof. Makes any chore like assignment seem hopelessly romantic.
Robert Heather: SLV in Melbourne!
actually the old Athenaeum Library in Melbourne is supposed to be great as well…
Matt Bachle: not a library… but Daunt Books in London – an amazing travel book emporium.
Bettina Kaiser: Love hanging out in the comfy sofas of the new Surry hills library.
Sabrina Ward Harrison: New York City Central / Bryant Park
Kirsten Reed: The Providence Athenaeum, where my love of books began in earnest. It’s one of the oldest libraries in the US; Edgar Allen Poe and HP Lovecraft used to hang out there, and they have a huge kids’ section with comfy rugs to roll around on. What’s not to love… http://www.providenceathenaeum.org/index.html
Harry Gardner: The global library… I love meeting people as I travel.. giving them the books I love and treasure, and receiving the books that have gotten them through it all. The lighting in this library is phenominal, and you can talk as loudly as you like.
Lisa Burke: NYPL. Patience and Fortitude.
Cellina Prosser: Totally Harry! I once shared a novel in English with a guy reading the same author, two different books in two different languages! got to love the bottom of the backpack!
Sara King: I worked in a public library for two years – the Adelaide City Council Libraries (there are 4 branches). Super place, loved it as a patron, bit over it now! But the Grote St library in Adelaide has to get my vote. Excellent bright orange interiors, self-checkout system and a whole wall dedicated to food and wine!! There is also a Languages Other … Read MoreThan English section upstairs which is awesome (though ever tried shelving Chinese books not being able to read Chinese?). Great furniture, kitchen for a cuppa, wireless internet and Central market across the road. Who needs anything else?
Jayne Brassington: Amsterdam Centraal Bibliotheek
Ok I’ve got a great fondness for Irene Library in Irene Gauteng SA where I would cyle to and borrow Enid Blyton
St Andrews Library in Fife Scotland
The Sydney Library opp Circular Key
Glasgow Womens library – tea coffee stove ! sofas ! http://www.womenslibrary.org.uk
The National Women’s Library in London (formerly the Fawcett Library) fantastic collection of materials relating to womens suffrage http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/thewomenslibrary/
And finally I’m very fond of my local library in MacDonald Road Edinburgh run by Edinburgh Council
Women’s library in London