Teal and Shiny

I am beginning to think I should have specific criteria I look for in these liblogaries so my posts can be fairly consistent. The character quality of Structure is burning a hole through my life-long lesson book. 

Let’s start with the name.

PAUL W. & BERNICE P. BRANDEL LIBRARY

The Brandel Library was built in 2000 after Bernice Brandel gave a substantial donation in memory of her late husband. They were lifelong friends, co-workers for 30 years, and married for 11 years. Personally, I admire her words which are on a platinum plaque inside the lobby. They read, “One of the most important things that can happen to a person is that desire to keep learning. That is why it is important to have a good library. I know that North Park needs a good library, so I would like it to be an excellent one with lots and lots of good books.” A woman after my own heart. The Brandel Library is actually located within North Park University, a Christian Liberal Arts university with a Theological Seminary. Remember I said I would hit up multiple types of libraries? I would like my next one to be some sort of medical library. 

One of the best traits about this library is its strength at being very random in its book collection. For some strange reason, I feel this library appeals to me at a creative level. Yeah, the building is too new for my taste; however, I do feel link with its contents and choice of wall color—teal.

When I first walked into this building, I tip-toed among my friends—books. Books can be everyone’s friends. Duh. Well, I walked down the first aisle and noticed something that looked like a friendly face, yet, horrifying—The Bible. 

Kinda looks like the Bible from Children of the Corn.

The reason why I was dazed and slightly befuddled at the sight of one of the most sacred items in the history of religion, was because of its ambiance. Bear with me. As I walked by the Bible section, the only Bible I noticed was a black one with the words, “The Bible—A New Translation by James Moffatt.” Who the ash tray is Jimmy McFatty? Then I took it off of the shelf, placed it on a nearby table, sat down, and opened it. For a split second I thought the screaming outline of a face was going to leap out at me and bite me on the nose. But I just saw a rather long Introduction and a squished bug in the middle of Geneses as I flipped through the book—in fact, as I looked at it more closely, I could have probably deduced that it was a booger. James Moffatt stated in his Introduction, “The translation now offered of this text is an attempt to represent the gains of recent research and at the same time to be readable.” Bravo and kudos for translating another Bible only marketable to the Amish community. 

I also noticed another book that jumped out at me—not literally. The other book you see in the picture is a Concordance. The reason why I included it in the picture is because I simply thought it looked the most beautiful on the shelf. 

 

There are 3 floors and the second and third floors contain the “General Collection” section. I am guessing that they are arranged by subject. I am in an aisle with the main call number starting with the letter ‘P’. I love this aisle because of the random titles that would catch the glass eye of an old Pirate:

I love all of these books.

The Sacred and Profane Love Machine—Iris Murdoch

Memoirs of a Fox-Hunting Man—Seigfreid Sassoon

The Secret Agent—Joseph Conrad

The Famished Road—Ben Okri

The Unicorn—Virginia Moore

And then, there are works with familiar titles and authors:

The Silver Chair—C. S. Lewis

Brideshed Revisited—Evelyn Waugh

The Canterville Ghost—Oscar Wilde

Finnegan’s Wake—James Joyce

The 'P' aisle.

 I can picture myself sitting in these aisles for hours, reading about the man with the gun, that really hungry road, the chair that Vampires cannot sit on, and that sacred and profane love machine. 

 

The loft-style ceiling on the third floor.

 When I went to the third floor, I could not help but think about a barn hay loft. In the picture you can notice the loft-style ceiling. I was really fascinated with this feature because the area produced a constant white noise which is key when trying to study. Most times one can hear people shuffling around, talking, or listening to their iPods. It can get distracting. So in this liblogary, if you wanted to study, do it on the third floor. 

Overall, I am impressed with this liblogary. The collection of books is not too shabby, the decor matches my second favorite color (my first is shiny), and I did not see but two people, so I cannot say much about the crowd. 

The backs of books always fascinate me.

You know when you go to a building and you think the decor is somewhat dated? Then you find out that it was built in the 1970s. At that time, it once was a place that screamed new features, decor, and quality. Not, it seems dated and in a desperate need for upgrading. Well, what about when you go into a building and even though it is over a hundred years old, it looks exquisite. I think one of the main reasons why we think places like that look exquisite is because of the detail--back then, were not people obsessed on putting detail into what they built? This liblogary might be one of those places in thirty years that we say, "This place lacks character and looks dated." That is the only thing I find wrong with this liblogary.

8/10--congratulations! Hope to see you again~

Merlot, anyone?

How exciting... and frightening at the same time. Here I am at my first liblogary (library that I blog about) and I am terrified where to start. Let's see... what did I say I would write about, again? I am realizing that until I get into the swing of posting, the first posts about the liblogaries will be more informative. They may be long, they may be short. I hope you, reader, if I have any, will gain something out of these posts. Whether it be a review, inspiration, a laugh, or even a story to read, I hope you will get something. If not, then I am thrilled to document my adventures for my own resource. These posts will be more of a thing to look back on what I observed when I traveled.

Before I get too specific, we'll start with the location.

This liblogary is at 644 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL. It's a branch of the Chicago Public Library system. This branch is called, "Merlo." Add the letter "t" and you have yourself a fantastic beverage. The outside is beautiful on the west side because the tan brick wall is swallowed with green Ivy. The yard the Ivy looks at every day is the front yard of a Catholic church/school. There is a working pool/fountain about 30 feet from the wall. As you walk by the front of the liblogary, there is a large sheet of paned windows. This serves as the entryway, naturally built with wheelchairs in mind. It's rather sad, but I'm sensing that the upkeep for most libraries is dwindling. Perhaps it's because of the lack of funds. In a few posts, I'll share a story about a peculiar fictional library I created. Now, with the inside of this liblogary.

The inside reminds me of a poorly funded, yet, clean elementary school. Of course, I would trust this place with children, but not for more than an hour. The thing that bugs me with this library is its size and lack of character. It has two stories, a ground, and second. I am guessing at the time of being built, which was probably around the 1980s, it was going for a clean-cut/lamely modern feel. It might have been remodeled on the inside in the early 90s. The walls are cream-colored, the trim and bookshelves are a pastel hunter green, and the carpet looks like something you would find in a church fellowship hall. There isn't a large book selection, but I am impressed with the DVD collection.

2nd floor

When I first walked in, I waited in line for an available librarian (there were only two). I wasn't carrying any books except my laptop case. Next thing I know, these two guys (about 18 or 19), cut in front of me without saying a word. It was if I didn't exist. The librarian didn't seemed phased. I didn't care much, because I didn't want to borrow any books, but that act made me think of the attitude of my generation--quick and selfish... surprise, surprise. Oh well. I can only encourage. Anyway, when it was my turn, I inquired about obtaining a library card. The librarian seemed bored as she explained the process of needing a Chicago address on either a license or two pieces of mail--nothing I didn't know, but I was secretly hopeful that the librarian would be thrilled to see a Chicago newb and offer to give more information about the establishment. Maybe this will encourage my librarian readers to be passionate about where they work--you have no idea how inspiring you can be to a person. Librarians have been iconic as people full of knowledge and passionate towards seeking more knowledge through reading--a dying activity.

Mr. Tire

Here's something quirky to talk about. A short and thin middle-class gentleman in his late forties just walked onto the second floor (where I'm perched), typically wearing brown flip-flops, tan shorts, a blue t-shirt, and a white Matco Tools hat (name significance? I have no idea, but it adds detail). In his right hand, he was carrying a bicycle wheel. Being from a small town in Michigan, one could leave both his car door and front door to his house unlocked for a long period of time and still be cool about it. I forget the different lifestyle Chicagoans lead--always aware, generally looking out to be cautious and safe, and random. Now, he's just sitting in the reading are I'm in looking at a TIME Magazine with a fish on the cover. The subtitle reads, "The Future of Fish." To me, the immediate thought I get is that means Americans are trying to find something else to worry about because it sells. The funniest part is the bicycle wheel is leaning against the chair he's sitting in. I can only speculate, but maybe he's playing a nasty little trick on his wife and stole her tire. Oh, as of right now, I only have the camera quality of my jenky laptop. I kinda like it, but I'm in the market for a Canon Powershot and some photography classes.

Overall, this library will probably be a haven for me until I find one with more character. The lack-of just isn't inspiring me enough. But this will be a challenge to dig inspiration out of whatever you fall into. I would rate this library a 3 out of 10. 

For the sake and sanity of my readers, I hope this wasn't too boring, wordy, or even adventurous. If it was, simply put, "Too bad."

Well, I probably could write more about this place, but I suddenly feel the urge to fill my stomach. Perhaps some noodles, butter, and spaghetti sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning, garlic salt, and cheese? And perhaps, a glass of that tasty beverage mentioned in the beginning? Yes, please.

Until next time,

The Library Blogger

Chicago

According to ala.org, "there are an estimated 122,101 libraries of all kinds in the United States today" (2010). Between 1883 and 1929, 1,689 Carnegie libraries were built in the United States with 920 more built across the world. Some of them since then have been closed and turned into people's homes, court houses, warehouses, or just plain are empty.

For about two years, I lived in Escanaba, Michigan. In 1906, a Carnegie library was built a couple streets from downtown. In 2009, I was in a musical and always had to drive past the old library, which has since been bought by someone from the public and abandon. The Escanaba Public Library used to dwell in the red sandstone edifice with four Greek-like pillars in the front. Then, the city's book collection got bigger, and the public decided to raise money to build a newer home for its book collection. Because the building was considered a historical monument, the city had trouble figuring out what to do with it. Later, I'll share with you what I am dying to turn it into. Anyway, this gentleman who owns a lumber or contracting company was suffering from a nagging wife. She wanted him to buy it to turn into their beautiful home. The gentleman finally gave in and in the early 90s, they purchased the building from the city for around $30,000--what a depressing steal. It breaks my heart to say this, but to this day, the building remains empty of its former glory and full of the couple's junk including a knight armor's set that sits in full view of one of the windows. When I walked in front of the building one night, I was terrified but convinced that the knight wanted someone to play with.

I want to free that knight. I want to free the memories the old Escanaba library once knew, but put an artistic twist to it. I want to bring the laughs of children, the sounds of pages being turned, the sounds of pianos being played, ukuleles being plucked, voices being rehearsed, and art being created. I want to turn the building into a fine and performing art center for people to channel emotion into creativity.

Today, I am in Chicago. I will be here for the next unknown number of days, months, or years. I would like to stay here for a long time. The reason I mentioned the old Carnegie libraries is because I think my goal to hit up and blog about many libraries is intertwined with Chicago and my desire to turn places into places of better use. Every library I go to, I would like to share a bit about its history and possibly, plans for the future. If it is on the line for closing, I will be in the line for taking it over and turning it into a place:

A place where people can come and learn more about music, art, theatre, and writing--the library.
A place with hundreds of instruments, paintbrushes, canvases, pencils, and paper--the books of the library.
A place where teachers come and go to donate an hour or five to people who wish to learn an instrument--the librarians.
A place that houses books and technology for research on the fine and performing arts--reference.

This will be a wonderful place.

Cheers!

The Library Blogger

The Idea

Dear Reader,

Ever since reading, A Series of Unfortunate Events, I've always wanted to write to someone with the beginning being, "Dear Reader." Ever since I watched the movie, Julie and Julia, I've wanted to blog. After thinking about both instances, I've felt afraid--afraid that I wouldn't have any readers, and afraid that too many people people blog, therefore, my blog would be hard to "get out" there. But now, I have readers, along with something to blog about and that's one of my and your escape, the library.

I came up with the idea of calling myself, "The Library Blogger" because of the high I get upon entering a library. The nerves in my abdomen rush up to my throat like the build up of a movie score as it reaches the climax. I feel a special high whenever I step foot into a library that screams, "Live here with me!" That is what I want to bring to you. The high I get through an account of every library I step into from now on throughout my travels. I will make it a point to search out the libraries whether academic, school, music, theatre, medical, or my favorite, a Carnegie library. I will try to take a picture of something glorious, quirky, intriguing, or just plain creative inside the library and write an account of the building, book sections (restricted section, anyone?), books, librarians, visitors, bathrooms (who wouldn't want to know?), property, city location, view, art, and finally, what you want me to write about in a library. I will do so while in the library. That is my goal. I invite you to take an adventure with me that will last a bit longer than I am picturing. 

This will start soon and in the USA. I am moving to Chicago in the beginning of July, so what a better place to start. i promise soon, I will be telling of libraries in the dear old country of Ireland, then my ancestral home of Italy. Please, try to keep up, interest, and a mental account of my journey to the home of words dressed up as ink dancing on a stage called paper bound by the essence of cloth and leather. 

Until next time,

The Library Blogger

Pilot

Dear Reader,

I hope as time progresses that you will find my future blog posts entertaining, memorable, and impacting to your life. My mission is to use this as a way to finally write. I hope to learn from my experiences and searches with the help of many miles, missions, and miracles. Soon, I will reveal the reason why I called the blog, "The Library Blogger"...Please understand my grammar is not up to par, however, I am here to learn from myself and others around me. Please feel free to post comments correcting my spelling, sentence structure, correct word choice such as "effect" and "affect", and my use of punctuation. 

Dearly, until next time,

The Library Blogger

P.S. A big thanks to Debbie Cannaday for the use of this beautiful picture. Once I buy a camera, I will take my own pictures. :]