My mother alerted me to an interesting article in the Nation about the New York Public Library’s plans to create a sort of library-within-a-library at their famous branch on 42nd Street in Manhattan. There is an intention to create a state-of-the-art computer-oriented library -called the Central Library Plan. However, in doing so, NYPL will displace the existing stacks -sending (according to the article) 3 million books to storage and demolishing the stacks (shelving.)

So the library is dumping Books and hooking up with Computers? Curious. I suppose if I lived in NYC and frequented that branch of the NYPL, I might be sad to see the books go. Except, as far as I’m aware, those books don’t circulate. And unless one is doing research, how often do people actually read full books while in the library? Isn’t part of the beauty of libraries the act of borrowing, to be trusted with public treasure in one’s own home?

This struck me on my first visit to NYPL. I thought: so beautiful and stately, but where are the books? I had to visit the library twice before I found them.

The Nation article carried a tone of nostalgia and called to mind old, gilded rooms devoted to one type of literature or another. Rooms I’d probably never enter. It also quoted a librarian who feared that the new computer-centric offerings will probably draw noisy crowds to what is now an impressively quite and calm atmosphere. I’ve seen these crowds in other city libraries, so I appreciate that librarian’s sentiment: it’s important to reserve spaces for quiet contemplation, as well as respectfully preserve a culture’s literature.

Seems to me a clash of cultures (also a bit of change-fear.) I’ll keep tabs on how this pans out.

This is actually the San Fran Public Library, but you get the picture.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity (and good fortune) to visit the Field’s Corner branch of the BPL.  Unfortunately, my camera ran out of battery just when I was about to go crazy snapping photos.  Fortunately, I enjoyed a ten minute conversation with the children’s department librarian about all-things library: from the politics of funding for branch libraries, to the whys/hows/and why-nots of displaying books, to culling collections, to how children learn.

Our conversation was fascinating, and brought one concept to light for me: I often engage with a library through it’s structure and architectural design not because I like architecture (which I kind of do,) but because it’s a way for me to experience the library beyond just checking out materials.

Put more simply, I’m looking for light, I’m looking for cozy, for the parts of the library that appeal to my kid-self.  I’m looking for what would draw my mother, my father -what keeps their particular interest (magazines for Dad, travel DVDs for Mom.)  I’m looking for the eating spaces, the opportunities to tuck oneself away for much desired solitude in a busy, people-stuffed life.  To the efforts by library staff to tantalize teens: the computers and comics, the clubs and activities.  For me, more than books does a library make!

Will the BPL forgive my use of this CPL photo to accompany this post?

During a New York weekend, I found myself quite by accident (for reals! I wasn’t looking . . .) on Library Way.  This, of course, led to the famous, stone building guarded by two white lions.  My first time inside the NYPL, I couldn’t locate the books.  On this trip, I was a little more clever.

And, what’s this? A library hotel!

Dear Walpole Library,

You are adorable and woodsy enough to contend with the wildly appealing and aesthetically addictive L.A. Burdick cafe and chocolate shop across the street. I’ve seen you twice, both on days you were not open. Too bad! Maybe a third time will be the charm.

Yours in curiosity,
Phoebe

Photo courtesy of Sage Radachowsky.