The front door. The gangplank is for naughty children. In the winter ice drops off of it so the whole area underneath has to be closed off.
An old nic-nack decorates the lobby to remind us of more classical times.
Notice the bridges in the back. The top one I called the "Dare Devil Bridge". I'll take you up there to get to the "Dare Devil Room".
The "Towering Inferno" elevator. You can't see in but you can see out for a scenic view. There are two, and it looks small in this photo but it's regular sized.
This is one corner of the first floor of books, from a view from the stairs. There are four floors of books, and books on each side of the bridges, and who knows what is kept where ... so that means lots of asking around, and lots of rides up and down on the "Towering Inferno" elevator.
I used to be able to use this machine but then one day I couldn't figure it out any more. So now I think of it as just a place to put small donations to the library.
Looking off to the left while bravely crossing the "Dare Devil Bridge". They say once a frightened high school girl went across on her hands and knees to avoid the scenic view.
Across the Dare Devil Bridge is the very odd Dare Devil Room. The shelves move, and you can get crushed to death between them. Actually, they promise it can't happen - but I'm still wary.
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 38
Why would they put that huge thing off the front...to drop ice onto unsuspecting passerbys!
Wonderful pictures Peter!
I too would have to be one to cross that bridge on my hands and knees and I am horrified at heights!
Great photo essay Peter!
Also, I'm perturbed that you figured out the real reason libraries keep copiers around (the donation issue). You weren't supposed to guess.
Good-lookin' library -- despite the carpet -- and I love all that glass *inside*.
The elevator pic had "YB" on it? Eh??
I'm a copy cataloger at a library system, and one of my favorite things to do is visit the libraries and try to take a few photos of them. I have found that the people who work there are often more than happy to share stories about the buildings and their community history. (And sometimes there are some great patron tales, too: libraries are truly filled with stories.)
Maybe you could ask someone there about the letters. My guess would be that they help to identify which elevator will get a patron closer to the book/item they seek.