There are a few writers who have ultimately enticed me like John Irving, Michael Chabon, the occasional David Sedaris and of course Armistead Maupin. But with the onset of the digital era, I am more content reading a blog, a newspaper article, cooking books or short stores at best.
This does NOT mean libraries have no worth to me. I loved the Erie downtown library as a child and a trip there was heaven. But I remember getting films to watch on an old projector as much as getting a children's book. Now they let you borrow a fishing pole to walk down to the dock and fish. I utilize my local library for access to tons of music; both audio and sheet. My cabaret career owes much to the public library. My sister is a librarian and has tons of resources she has pointed out to me that go far beyond books. I even use my local branch for printing out documents since my personal printer is more expensive to replace ink cartridges. It is a small but mighty building, an original Carnegie library.
Which all leads to this inspiring catalogue of historic and spellbinding buildings that are indeed institutions. If it were a choice between a museum, a cathedral or a library - I don't think I would hesitate. To me even a bookstore holds more treasures. The 19 listed in this collection are mind boggling. Sadly I have not been to a single one. I should add a few to my traveling Bucket List. Please give them a quick glance.
Buzzfeed Iconic Libraries
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| Sainte-Genvieve Library - Paris France |
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| Boston Public Library |
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| National Library - Vienna, Austria |
