This is the Baroque Library Hall in Prague, Czech Republic. Isn't this room amazing?!! The Baroque Library Hall is the home of the Czech National Library. It contains a collection of 20,000 books (dating back to the 16th century) and rare, historical globes. The ceiling frescoes were painted by artist Jan Hiebl. The Baroque Hall is housed in the Klementinum; founded in 1232, the Klementinum is the largest and most historic complex of buildings in the Old Town, Prague. You can read more about the Baroque Library Hall Here.
I think these wooden columns are magnificent, and I love the beautiful antique globes. I've always been fascinated by globes and maps -- and books. :)
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This is a portion of the Long Room in Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. I love the wonderful wrought-iron, spiral staircase, and all the busts on wooden pedestals.
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Another view of The Long Room. Years ago we were in Dublin for a day, and I wish we had visited Trinity College. If so, we could have seen the Book of Kells.
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This last image is of J. P. Morgan's Study in the Morgan Library and Museum, Manhattan, NYC. I love the giant tapestry, the fireplace hood, and the cage doors on the bookshelves. What an amazing room!!
Have you ever been to any world-renowned libraries like these? I can't say that I have. I really think it would be fascinating to visit one of these libraries; but I grew up spending time in our local libraries, and they still hold a special attraction for me.
I remember thinking it such a treat to visit the library in the community where I grew up, and I love the library here in our little town. It even has a working, wood-burning fireplace. I know that most community libraries don't house fine, collector editions of books, but that's okay with me. I can visit there for free, and they all have that wonderful book smell. You know the smell, right? Not musty or unpleasant; just smells like -- books.
Are you a bibliophile? How about a bookworm? :) I'm pretty certain I'm both. Thanks for your visit today, and I'd love to hear about your favorite libraries. Have a great day!
Denise
Another view of The Long Room. Years ago we were in Dublin for a day, and I wish we had visited Trinity College. If so, we could have seen the Book of Kells.
This last image is of J. P. Morgan's Study in the Morgan Library and Museum, Manhattan, NYC. I love the giant tapestry, the fireplace hood, and the cage doors on the bookshelves. What an amazing room!!
Have you ever been to any world-renowned libraries like these? I can't say that I have. I really think it would be fascinating to visit one of these libraries; but I grew up spending time in our local libraries, and they still hold a special attraction for me.
I remember thinking it such a treat to visit the library in the community where I grew up, and I love the library here in our little town. It even has a working, wood-burning fireplace. I know that most community libraries don't house fine, collector editions of books, but that's okay with me. I can visit there for free, and they all have that wonderful book smell. You know the smell, right? Not musty or unpleasant; just smells like -- books.
Are you a bibliophile? How about a bookworm? :) I'm pretty certain I'm both. Thanks for your visit today, and I'd love to hear about your favorite libraries. Have a great day!
Denise
Such stunning libraries. One of the branch libraries in our community is so charming. It's not as stunning as the ones you shared, but it has paintings on the ceiling, rocking chairs on a little screened porch and even a walking trail. It's nice to know that our city planners actually thought about the experience when they were designing the library, instead of going for just a cold, institutional look. It definitely makes you want to linger longer and check out more books.
ReplyDeleteNothing makes me happier or more relaxed than a visit to the library. there is something so calming about it. I love books, especially old books. I have some interesting books from my great aunt that has in the cover the autograph of each person who she loaned the book to. Most have cover and first page filled. She shared her books around, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous rooms! No updated Duncan pic??? The one on the sidebar still kills me:@)
ReplyDeleteYes, I know the smell, and I happen to love it. The photos are just gorgeous to me, so majestic! I have to say that as I read this, I thought of my own two favorite libraries. There was nothing majestic about them (I've never been to a famous one...) They were the small libraries that I went to as a little girl. I can still smell them if I close my mind.
ReplyDeleteWait. Did I just write "close my mind"? Or "close my eyes"? I guess I'll know after my comment is visible after approval.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the British Library for what it houses in their special collection room. The Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington is really spectacular. I'm hoping to get to the Chained Library in Herefordshire in England this summer. I want to go to Trinity, too, someday!
ReplyDeleteI love libraries. Big old libraries, small old libraries in people's homes... libraries.
ReplyDeleteI often wonder what the world's most famous library looked like: The library at Alexandra, Egypt, centuries and centuries ago.
thanks for the glorious photos.
Love this post. In 2003 I traveled with university English majors to Ireland visit the places where great Irish writers lived and were inspired to write. One stop was Trinity College. We stood in line to see the Book of Kells. We toured the library, imaging all of the great minds that traveled there before us. And how is little Duncan doing? Boone actually barked a little bit to go out. He is still a wild child. Time for some classes.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! How great for you to tour Trinity College and see the Book of Kells! I'm fascinated by illuminated manuscripts -- would love to see one someday. Little Duncan is growing fast, and he's a wild child too. Sigh. The potty training here is very slow and sporadic. I'm sure a professional dog person could get him trained much quicker, but we're just regular people. It's a slow process requiring much patience; hopefully he'll catch on eventually. :)
ReplyDeleteLibraries are wonderful places. I don't think I've visited any famous ones, but having seen your photos, I'll put them on my list to investigate. Books are found in almost every room of our home - I can't imagine life without reading.
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