Provo City Library: More (No Longer) Local Love

It's now been almost six months since we left behind this library, but I thought it was still appropriate to honor the Provo City Library in a Libraries Around the World post. 



This is a shot of the front of the building.  This library is kind of unique, because it was placed in the remodeled Brigham Young Academy building.

The library itself occupies only about half of the building, though, and the other half includes offices and rooms for events and receptions (including a gorgeous ballroom where I attended several author events).  In fact, all of the photos I took are of the non-library part, but many library events take place in this other part, so I figured it was ok.

 


A lovely staircase leading to the ballroom and other rooms for events.

I love this little hallway - the ceiling is made of glass so the sun shines through and makes it bright and happy.  On the other side of the stained glass window is the upper floor of the library.

This library, though fairly new (I think 2001), has a fantastic number (and caliber) of authors that visit every year. They also host the wonderful children's book festival and teen book fest every year with loads of local authors and activities.  As you can see, it is a perfect example of a community-centered library.  And oh, how I miss it!

Do you have a fabulous community-building library?

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Posted in libraries around the world , not a review

Some Local Library Love: Orem Public Library

Well, as some of you may know (I haven't mentioned it in, like two days) I moved recently.  I grew up in Utah and I couldn't leave my home town without giving a shout out, with my Libraries Around the World feature, to my childhood library.  This is the place where I grew up on words.  These are the stacks where I checked out every Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley Twins, Boxcar Children, and Babysitters Club book religiously.  My love for libraries was born and raised in the walls of this place.  It fed the fires of my book-lust and also, in later years, the fires in my pockets when I got a job there as a page.  But enough of the ridiculously overblown praise.  I took a few photos of this nostalgic building before we left.  It didn't always look like this, having received a few make-overs in the years since I caressed Nancy's yellow bindings (well, sometimes they were more of a grayish brown...).  But it will always hold a special place in my heart.  Or something like that (oh the cheese in this post is simply delicious).  I introduce you to the unimposing, but well-beloved Orem Public Library.

Many a time I remember running up those spiral stairs. It was like being in a book. A book with a castle and a fabulous collection of kids reading material.

Speaking of straight from a book, these windows are one of my favorite things. Done by a local artist, they span one entire wall near the collection of fairy tales (which, by the way, is quite extensive). They were not there for my early years, but I remember when they were put in. At least, I remember being completely jealous that one of my friends was a model for one of the characters in the window. Details, details.

And here's a close-up of one part. Not a very interesting part, but my hubby took the photo, so blame him. It's not even the part that my friend modeled for. Still, love these windows. And love this library.

What memories do you have of your "first" library?

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Posted in libraries around the world , not a review

Salt Lake City Public Library

I got the chance to visit a more local, but still amazing library!  I love doing these libraries around the world posts, because it's fun to see so many beautiful buildings that house my life (ie: books).  I visited the main Salt Lake City public library a few months ago and was just amazed by the place.  Not only is it designed to look awesome from any angle, but it houses a fantastic collection as well.  Worth a visit if you're ever in the area.

This is the outside courtyard in front of the building. I imagine in the summer, the shops are filled with vendors.  Personally, I think an ice cream shop would do a great business there!

Here's a view of the front.  I love how it is all curves and glass.  On a sunny day, the reflection must be glaring (and amazing) if you're standing in the right spot.

Here we're looking at the main entrance.  I love how it feels asymmetrical!  

Looking back at that curving front, just before you enter the building.  So cool!

Right inside the doors, this little atrium greets you.  It feels so light and airy, I just love it!

 

My husband and I got a huge kick out of riding in the elevator with its glass panels. Made me think of Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator. Here's the view from the top looking down.

I just loved this list of some of amazing libraries around the world.  Interestingly enough, I've visited three of the fifteen and highlighted all three in Libraries Around the World posts!  Can you guess which three?

I've decided that before I move (in like, a month) I must highlight my own lovely local libraries - especially because of the huge part they played in my own childhood and young adult life.  Watch for that!

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Posted in libraries around the world , not a review

Seattle Public Library

I haven't posted about a library from around the world in forever (probably because I haven't visited any but my local ones in a while).  But, luckily, I got to visit the Seattle Public Library while I was there over Christmas break. 

What a gorgeous and unique building!  I wish I'd had lots more time to walk around their collection, but we had limited change for the parking.  What we did see was absolutely fabulous.

I had a devil of a time getting a shot of the whole building from the outside (it's pretty tightly wedged among much taller buildings).

The entrance area is totally beautiful.  These are some of my favorite photos:

Especially this one.

I didn't take very many photos from inside, though.  I lack the talent to take interesting photos of metal shelves and people enjoying the collections.  And there were LOTS of people enjoying them!  The children's collection really blew me away - it was huge and there were so many interesting displays.  

Here's a view from the top floor:

More of the same:

Indoor shot of lower levels:

Here's hoping I get to visit more libraries soon!  

Do you have a favorite library building (aside from your local ones which provide such fabulous services)?

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Posted in libraries around the world , not a review