One thing I take for granted is the public library system, but it wasn't always so. "Back in the day", library membership cost money. The "Free Library" in Philadelphia (now known as Parkway Central Library) was an innovation, allowing people to come and browse, read, and check out books at no cost. It opened in 1927, and it is an impressive building indeed, designed by Julian Abele, a prominent black architect who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Among his notable works is the chapel at Duke University in Durham NC, another architectural marvel.
 |
| The intricate detail is of the ceilings are different in each of the many different sections of the library. |
 |
| The marble floors and walls are a thing of beauty. |
 |
| There is magnificent art work throughout, giving the library "museum quality". |
 |
| During World War II, the port of Philadelphia was felt to be at risk for enemy bombs, so the beautiful skylights were painted over to prevent light from making the library an easy target. |
 |
| The paint used to paint the skylight was full of toxic material such as lead, so the cost of restoring them is phenomenal. |
 |
| Someone in the library ensured that the home team received a place of honor! Go Phillies! |
 |
In the section devoted to music, it is possible for patrons to check out musical instruments such as a cello or violin. Other branches of the library have sections for checking out unusual items. Have a friend who's a fan of Micky Mouse and you want to bake a Micky Mouse cake for his birthday? You can check out a cake pan that will allow you to do so without cluttering up your kitchen for years with a pan you'll only use once!
|
What a beautiful library to visit! When I lived in Brooklyn I was able to walk to my local library and visited it almost every day. Now I have to drive a distance so I visit monthly and do more on the library Libby app.
ReplyDeleteThe libraries I usually visit are tiny little free boxes!
ReplyDeleteI give to those...I need my books to go somewhere....
DeleteHelsinki airport has a whole room (with lounges in it to read on) where travelllers can pick and donate their books. THere are book plates that you can write in and stick in the book you are getting rid of to say where the book cme from and where it had travelled for the next person to know....it's so sweet.
DeleteFabulous tribute to a good institution. Wonderful! Aloha!
ReplyDeleteThat's so weird the library used to cost money??!! I wonder how that started. Or maybe it was a small enterprise, not a govt funded one?
ReplyDeleteThe building is looking sleek and majestic
ReplyDeleteLove this ode to libraries! And who knew you could borrow musical instruments? Sounds like a library treasure trove!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and: what a blessing to have a free library! We pay for our smalltownlibrary and they haven't, what I wanna read. For me it's better to buy used books for low. Or look for books in the public bookshelf and took my books in it for other readers.
ReplyDeleteParkway Central Library sounds like a community treasure.
ReplyDeleteLibraries play such an invaluable role in our lives.
Happy Tuesday, Sue and thanks for hosting!
What a building! It makes my local library look very plain!
ReplyDeleteThat library is magnificent. We loved seeing your photos, and really appreciate you sharing all those amazing facts and history with us. Happy Wednesday, Sue!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read books in such a beautiful space! Thank you so much
ReplyDeletefor sharing all these inspirational details from the library. I hope you discovered some
interesting titles!
Happy WW and a fine week!❤️😘
That is a lovely building. We had a beautiful very old library in Plymouth (UK) and that was always free to borrow books. When Plymouth Polytechnic became a university they gradually took over more and more existing buildings including the library. A new ultra modern library with all the mod cons was built right in the centre of the city, but it has no soul!
ReplyDeletehttps://allatseawithme.blogspot.com/2024/04/wordless-wednesday-rosslare-ireland.html
Libraries have always been free as long as Mom remembers around here, but she doesn't like them because they are too quiet and she isn't into books. Some of the old ones like the ones in your photos are beautiful places, though. Around here, they are nothing special.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool. What history. I would love to visit there. So super cool. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful library ! I have seen some in Oxford UK, and also in France which were very beautiful !
ReplyDeleteThey don't make libraries like that anymore! Absolutely beautiful. I could study there all day and then some.
ReplyDeleteTake care and best wishes.
What an impressive library
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for participating and sharing at #22 #WW (Words welcome). See you again next week https://esmesalon.com/tag/wordlesswednesday/
Such a gorgeous location with impressive architecture!
ReplyDelete