Susanna Calkins, Author
  • Home
  • Lucy Campion Mysteries
    • A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
    • From the Charred Remains
    • The Masque of a Murderer
    • A Death Along the River Fleet
    • The Sign of the Gallows
    • The Cry of the Hangman
    • Death Among the Ruins
  • The Speakeasy Murders
    • Murder Knocks Twice
    • The Fate of a Flapper
  • Short Stories
  • Blog
  • News & Events
    • Event Photos
    • Archived Guest Posts & Interviews
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • 17th c. England
  • Writing Resources
  • Nonfiction
  • New Page

The most beautiful library in the world...

4/8/2012

28 Comments

 
Picture
Wynnefield Library
Anyone who knows me, knows I love libraries.  If I have a few hours to myself, then I'll often find a library (or a coffee shop, these days) to read, write, think.

And during my life, I've certainly had the opportunity to visit some beautiful and impressive libraries--Trinity College Library (Dublin), the British Library (London), the Oxford Library, the Biblioteque Nationale (Paris), the Newberry Library (Chicago), the Free Library of Philadelphia (main branch)...to name a few.  And certainly, I live near some lovely libraries now in Highland Park and Lake Forest (Illinois).

But for me, the most beautiful library in the world is the Wynnefield Library, a branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, located just a few blocks from where I grew up in West Philly.  It's not fancy, it's not glamorous--in fact, the modest 1960s exterior has a lot to be desired visually. A gently flowering tree gracing the red brick walls might look to be the library's only beauty. Certainly, no Baroque drama, no Georgian curves here, not even a whit of Victorian indulgence to be found.

Picture
Posters like these urged kids to read
The interior is equally simple.  If I'm remembering correctly, a main circulation desk greets you when you enter, and just after,  the young adult section. Beyond that lay the Adult Reading Room. (I only ventured in there looking for my mother, usually finding her in the mystery stacks. To this day, I'm fairly certain that the area would still feel off-limits to me).

To the left, the children's area awaited.

There, the children's librarians (especially dear Ms. Naismith) knew our names, often greeting us with recommendations and new readings to share. As an inner-city regional branch, I can only imagine now how limited the holdings must have been, how few the copies of popular books,  and how few new books ever went into circulation.

Yet, I can remember leaving most days with one, two, three, even up to the maximum twelve books we were allowed to check out on a given day. (Thank goodness it wasn't twelve books total, especially with my--ahem--terrible allergy to returning books on time! I'd never get anything new.) The books were much-handled, many were stained,  but I don't remember ever minding their careworn pages.

The library brought us together in ways I can scarcely make sense of now. The librarians didn't just read us stories; they helped us form book clubs, let us put on plays, and stimulated our curiosity in new worlds.

I remembering saying to a librarian once I couldn't find any more good books.  She promptly introduced me to Tamara, a girl who lived near me, but whom I'd never met.  Tamara in turn introduced me to Louisa May Alcott. Without this introduction, I might never have discovered one of my all-time favorite authors, or found a new friend.

Clearly, the librarians simply loved reading, just as we did, and shared that love of reading with us.  We weren't just "patrons" to them (or worse, kids to be ignored). The librarians viewed us as what we were: individuals, thinkers, and above all else, readers.

The Wynnefield Library may not have had much, but in its beautiful humble way, it sustained and nourished a community.

What do you think? What's the most beautiful library?


28 Comments
Debbie
4/8/2012 10:56:59 pm

While I've never actually been inside this library, your description leads me to the same general conclusion: Your first will always be your favorite. For me it is the Falls Church Public Library in Virginia, which only beats the Arlington County Public Library by virtue of the fact that I was allowed to walk there alone when I felt like reading a book. The Arlington Library was more majestic (from the point of view of an 8 year old), but to get there we had to make family trips.

Like you, I love a good library, and I have been known to make house renting/buying decisions based on whether or not I can walk to the local reading room. Some of my fondest memories of all the places I've lived in the past 15 years are anchored to the public library.

Now that I think on it, the Tippecanoe County Public Library in downtown Lafayette, is one of my faves. It got me through a very long, cold Indiana winter one year, and for that I remain grateful.

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 11:52:04 am

Debbie, Being able to walk to the library on your own, check out your own books--that's independence! Tippecanoe Library was really nice--I agree. You'd think with 14 libraries at Purdue we wouldn't need another one, but I also liked to get off campus there.

Reply
Mary V Leslniak
4/9/2012 12:27:35 am

Yes, your first library will always be your love. Mine is the Brown Deer, WI Public Library which is a branch of the Milwaukee Public Library. If you're ever in Milwaukee with time to spare check out the Milwaukee Public Library in downtown Milwaukee. It's a gorgeous old building and you get a sense that the books are alive and calling to you. My current favorite library is the beautiful Northwestern University Library which is also old and gorgeous.

My sister bought me a Kindle which is very nice. But there is no comparison to having the book in your hands, the feel and smell of the paper and binding, turning the pages, etc. all gives you a secure and familiar feeling while delving into the book - it's like comfort food for the soul!

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 11:56:01 am

Hey Mary, I have been to the Milwaukee Public library--it is wonderful! I've never been to Brown Deer though. And I have to admit, I love Northwestern's Deering Library too--especially the archives! A little secret...the other series I'm developing features a library just like it! :-)

Reply
Northwestern University Archives link
4/10/2012 05:19:26 am

Thanks for the compliment! The University Archives has been in Deering Library since 1935 (the Archives staff is a bit younger). True, we're in the basement (as so many archives are) but we love to give visitors a tour of the "pretty part" upstairs. And the Archives' location in historic Deering sets the tone for our collection of documents, photos, scrapbooks, artifacts, and much more-- relating to every aspect of NU's history. Happy National Library Week to all library lovers!

Susie link
4/10/2012 11:57:48 am

NU archives--I don't mind the basement! You are all great. But the "pretty part" is pretty awesome!

bekerys
4/13/2012 09:06:48 pm

WHAT OTHER SERIES???!!! Yes, I meant to shout. Great post on libraries, too. Certainly engendered a multitude of comments! Anyway, let me repeat, more quietly, in honor of the librarians reading the blog: What other series!!!!?

Susie link
4/9/2012 11:57:58 am

and I agree with you about the kindle--it's SO convenient, especially on long trips. But I REALLY enjoy holding books in my hands, especially older materials.

Reply
Jennie
4/9/2012 02:53:26 am

Susie! This is such a beautiful post - it made my eyes tear up a bit!!! :-)

Libraries are truly a wonderful place, and it's so great to hear when our 'patrons' have such sincere appreciation for them. With all that we are dealing with in our political scene, it feels like some communities do not support or appreciate their libraries. Reading your positive thoughts and wonderful memories of libraries makes me feel proud to be a librarian! And to know, that we are making a difference and that people do love us. :-)

I love any library that has a great children's area. :-) Although I never mind some Baroque drama, Georgian curves, and some Victorian indulgence!! :-)



Although I don't mind if they have Baroque drama, Georgian curves of Victorian indulgence to be found.

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 12:03:50 pm

Jennie, Thanks for your kind words. I really do believe the librarians make the library, at the very least in providing a welcoming presence. Well, nowadays, I also appreciate nice cozy chairs and big huge windows... I hope to see your library one day!

Reply
bekerys
4/9/2012 03:27:43 am

Hear hear!

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 12:04:54 pm

Thanks Bekerys

Reply
Jennie
4/9/2012 03:36:57 am

Susie, I forgot to mention this is a very timely post since it is NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK!!!! :-)

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 12:06:27 pm

Jennie, WOW! I feel psychic now! That's great. What goes on during National Library Week?

Reply
Jennie
4/10/2012 12:50:29 am

We are having a special prize give away, library trivia contest, Culver's coloring contest, complimentary cookies :-) All sorts of fun.

Susie link
4/10/2012 11:58:51 am

That IS fun stuff. I should see what my library is doing.

joel* link
4/9/2012 06:50:57 am

You are tugging at the heartstrings Susie. Such an ugly building to hold such power over us. Is the turtle still out back?

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 12:07:52 pm

Joel--I did like that turtle! And the the huge stone slide. I remember going down that about a hundred of times until I got a hole in my pants! :-) I did love the turtle though!

Reply
Matt
4/9/2012 08:00:55 am

I must say that I am jealous of these wonderful "first library" memories. Sadly, I did not have such a connection with my first library. Since then, however, I've enjoyed many fine library experiences. Highland Park and Lake Forest are not only physically beautiful, but are comfortable and inviting. I'll never forget the view second floor of the U of Louisville library--I always felt like I was in a tree house, gazing out at the massive trees.

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 12:10:08 pm

Matt, Well maybe your 'first library' is the Highland Park library. Wherever you feel connected... That U of L library was great though! And the LFC library is also very pleasant--I think I've done some writing there (or at least some grading, bleagh. a little less fun!)

Reply
Jaynes
4/9/2012 09:05:42 am

Wynnefield Library!!!! Man oh man that takes me back...I have gigantic storage containers of books on industrial shelving units in my basement. Since I don't read books twice and I think throwing a book away has to be one of the original sins...I have a collection of books that rivals Wynnefield (that place was small)...

Oddly enough, I actually have two books from Wynnefield Library...I was overdue months on them and kept waiting for those Amnesty Days. Well the fines were pretty hefty (I think 5 cents a day) and I think they kept those Amnesty Days quiet until they were over...Long story short...been carting around those books the better part of my life...If you are working for them Susie...Bravo!!...you have your confession...the burden on my soul has been too much...(I am currently looking out my window blinds)...

Really...I would turn them in tomorrow, but I know Philly is looking for a scapegoat for all their money problems...They would have no problem making an example of me...some crazy lawsuit...So thinking it over...I'm throwing them in my trunk and going on the run again...

Reply
Susie link
4/9/2012 12:16:32 pm

Jaynes--ah, living your life on the lam, afraid to admit to the circulation staff you kept out a book a little too long (25 years too long?) Do what I did years ago--make a donation to the library and feel your guilt wash away... walk boldly into the light!

Reply
Jaynes
4/10/2012 01:42:52 am

Whoa! I apologize for not looking at the link...That place is still open?! That is unbelievable...I saw a few years back they were trying to shut down the Center City Library (gorgeous place w/ JR memories intact) and assumed they already went after the smaller branches. They should call that place the Miracle on City Line Avenue...libraries are a dying breed...

Susie link
4/10/2012 12:01:40 pm

I think my mother would have been out with petitions etc if they were trying to close the branch! That would have been heartbreaking! But I triple-checked, still around!

click into business link
8/12/2013 09:32:49 pm

Hey Susie. I am very happy that we somewhat share a common interest for books, Me too have a habit of visiting libraries but not on par with you as I don’t travel around the world. But books make me happy too..just like you!

Reply
freedebtconsolidationquotes.com link
5/2/2014 01:02:34 am

And during my life, I've certainly had the opportunity to visit some beautiful and impressive libraries-

Reply
Cole link
5/25/2014 02:05:17 am

wonderful points altogether, you simply gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made some days ago? Any positive?

Reply
Best Astrologer in India link
12/22/2014 12:16:03 am

I believe that is an informative post and it really is really helpful and knowledgeable. hence, I would prefer to thank you for the efforts you may have made in writing this short article.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Susanna Calkins

    Historian. Mystery writer. Researcher. Teacher.  Occasional blogger.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    1660s
    16th Century
    17th Century
    18th Century
    1910s
    1920s
    19th C.
    20th Century
    21st Century
    A Death Along The River Fleet
    Advertisements
    Alcohol
    Alpha Reader
    Amazon Pre Order
    Amazon Pre-order
    A Murder At Rosamund's Gate
    Anagrams
    Anne Perry
    Anthology
    Art
    Authorship
    Award
    Awards
    Blogger's Block
    Blogging
    Blog Hop
    Blog Tour
    Bloody Good Read
    Bombings
    Book Events
    Book Giveaway
    Booksellers
    Book Trade
    Bouchercon
    Calendars
    Card Playing
    Caricature
    Cats
    Chambermaid
    Characters
    Charles I
    Charles Ii
    Charles Todd
    Chicago
    Chocolate
    Christmas
    Cia
    Cockney Slang
    Cocktails
    Coffee
    Coincidence
    Contemporary
    Cover Design
    Covers
    Creativity
    Crime
    Criminals
    Critical Thinking
    Cromwell
    Crossroads
    Csikszentmihalyi
    Cuckold
    Curiosities
    Defoe
    Detectives
    Detectives Oath
    Disease
    Dogs
    Early Modern
    Easter
    Editing
    Edwardian England
    Etymology
    Examples
    Excerpt Marg
    Excerpts
    Fairs
    Fate Of A Flapper
    Feedback
    Female Protagonists
    Female Sleuths
    Fire Of London
    Flow
    Food
    Forensics
    Forms Of Address
    French History
    From The Charred Remains
    Ftcr
    Future
    Games
    Gangs
    Giveaways
    Golden Hind
    Great Fire
    Great War
    Grit
    Guest Blogs
    Guest Interviews
    Guest Post
    Guest Posts
    Guilds
    Hanging
    Historical Fiction
    Historical Mysteries
    History
    Imagination
    Inspiration
    Interviews
    Ireland
    ITW Authors
    Jests
    Jewelry
    Language
    Last Dying Speeches
    Leisure
    Libraries
    London Bridge
    Lucy Campion
    Macavity
    Magistrate
    Malice Domestic
    Maps
    MARG
    Markets
    Masque Of A Murderer
    Matg
    Medicine
    Medieval
    Medieval Period
    Memory
    Merriments
    Merry-making
    Methodists
    Midwives
    Mindset
    Miscellany
    Monsters
    Moonstone
    Motivation
    Murder
    Murder At Rosamund's Gate
    Murder Ballad
    Murder Knocks Twice
    Mysteries
    Mystery
    Mystery Tv Shows
    Newgate
    Newspapers
    New Woman
    Nietzsche
    Nursery Rhymes
    Opera
    Orwell
    Persistence
    Pets
    Philadelphia
    Piracy
    Pirates
    Plagiarism
    Plague
    Poison
    Popular Film
    Popular Press
    Potions
    Printers Row Lit Fest
    Printing
    Private Investigators
    Proactive Interference
    Procrastination
    Prohibition
    Promoting Books
    Pseudonyms
    Psychology
    Publication
    Public Executions
    Publishing
    Punishments
    Puritans
    Puzzles
    Quakers
    Radio Shows
    Reader Questions
    Reading
    Receipts
    Reformation
    Rejection
    Religion
    Research
    Restoration
    Riddles
    River Fleet
    Samuel Pepys
    Scene Development
    Science Fiction
    Scold's Bridle
    Secret London
    Setting
    Seven Things
    Shakespeare
    Short Story
    Sign Of The Gallows
    Sleuths In Time
    Smithfield
    Speakeasy Mysteries
    Speech
    Spying
    Strange Things
    Teaching
    Thank You
    The 1640s
    The 1650s
    The 1660s
    Theater
    Thief-taker
    Timeline
    Titles
    Travel
    True Crime
    Tyburn Tree
    Valentine
    Wilkie Collins
    Winchester Palace
    Witches
    Women
    World-building
    Writier's Life
    Writing
    Writing Prompts
    Young Adult

    Archives

    February 2021
    January 2020
    December 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    September 2018
    November 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    November 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • Lucy Campion Mysteries
    • A Murder at Rosamund's Gate
    • From the Charred Remains
    • The Masque of a Murderer
    • A Death Along the River Fleet
    • The Sign of the Gallows
    • The Cry of the Hangman
    • Death Among the Ruins
  • The Speakeasy Murders
    • Murder Knocks Twice
    • The Fate of a Flapper
  • Short Stories
  • Blog
  • News & Events
    • Event Photos
    • Archived Guest Posts & Interviews
  • The Roaring Twenties
  • 17th c. England
  • Writing Resources
  • Nonfiction
  • New Page