Communal Places for Literary Enthusiasts
Y
The architecture alone is enough to invoke
a gasp of awe. Perched on four corner piers, the six-story windowless building
appears to hover just above ground level. Walls of translucent marble provide subdued
yet sufficient light for viewing while assuring the preservation of the precious
documents contained within. And that’s only the beginning.
As the second-largest academic library in
North America, Yale University’s Beinecke
Rare Books and Manuscripts Library goes to unimaginable lengths to protect its
treasured books. It is not only under constant video surveillance; in the case
of a fire, you have 30 seconds to evacuate before a lethal fire-suppressing gas
floods the area. Any other threat to the priceless collection will cause the
glass and metal cube structure they are encased in to drop into an underground
vault which sucks all the oxygen from the air as it descends. I’m not sure I could bring myself to touch
anything, but what a magical place!
“Walking the stacks in a library, running
your fingers across the spines, it’s hard not to feel the presence of sleeping
spirits.” ~ Robin Sloan
Oh my, imagine walking around and someone decides to light a cigaret. Oh no.
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing repository. I imagine you have to wear white gloves going in and don another pair on top to exam a book. I can only imagine you are escorted into a room where the book you have selected is brought in.
I did get to see the Book of Kells in Ireland. You are in a crowd and you have to get your look and feels real quick. Something like that needs a chair with a bit of sunlight lofting through the room.
Hi Ann!
DeleteInteresting that the building is as remarkable as the books contained within. Notice I forgot to mention any of the precious documents? That's how awestruck I was ;-)
Oh my gosh! You've been to Trinity College?! How incredibly fortunate you are! I never get tired of reading or hearing about all things Irish.