Please welcome book reviewer, Lanise Brown!
My idea for the challenge sort of came last minute. While I was thinking up a theme and searching for cool bookish things online, I came across an article about the amazing libraries of the world. And I had my theme.
Which one was your favorite?
It’s difficult to pick just one, but I think the Rijksmuseum Research Library in Amsterdam and the José Vasconcelos Library in Mexico top my list.
The most unique and unusual was Mexico’s José Vasconcelos Library because of the building’s size, the painted whale skeleton that’s on display in the main hall, and the fact that the library’s been nicknamed the Megabiblioteca (megalibrary).
All of the letters towards the end of the alphabet were challenging, but the letter X was the toughest by far. No states or countries in the world begin with the letter X, so I had to resort to cities. Eventually, I found the Zhangzhou Campus University Library in Xiamen, China. There weren’t many pictures of the library though.
Have you ever visited any of the libraries you featured?
Sadly, no. But I hope I’ll get to visit a few of the locations some day.
The oldest is the National Library of France, which was founded in the 14th century. I featured the library’s Richelieu Reading Room that houses the library’s rare and antique collections.
If someone let you loose in one of those libraries, what would you do and how long would you stay?
Oh my goodness. I’d be like a kid in a candy shop. I’d probably grab more books than I could possibly read, and take a lot of pictures of the architecture. I’d make it a daylong event of course.
I’ve been thinking about next year’s challenge. I suppose I’ll go with the rarest books from around the world, or I might even continue the library theme. There are so many more libraries to share.
Co-host Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh is the author of Amazon Best-sellers CassaStar, CassaFire, and CassaStorm, and his blog can be found HERE
26 comments:
Thanks again, Lanise! Your theme was so cool.
Now that would make an awesome bibliobucket list, wouldn't it? Visiting all those libraries?
What an interesting theme and a great way to learn about various libraries. It would be fascinating to take a library trip across the nation (and even around the world) just to visit libraries.
I'd love to see all the contrasts between how different cultures build their libraries. I love checking out architecture, too, so I'd be all with you on that one. Really great theme, and it sounds like you did a thorough job.
Great interview as always, Alex.
Tina @ Life is Good
On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!
As a total library freak and a book lover, I adored the beauty and the discoveries which I made by visiting Lanise. Lanise really expanded my world, and that was a great gift -- which she gave so generously and gracefully. Thank you Lanise. I loved reading your posts, admiring the breathtaking photos ... and I loved your icon! It classed up my raffish blog like crazy whenever it appeared! You are simply wonderful! jean baldridge yates
thanks Alex from an awesome interview! :)
I could see my daughter booking a tour of the world's libraries when she is older. - Barbara
Life & Faith in Caneyhead
We had a great library (the building) in Shreveport when I was a kid, but the library outgrew the building, so it moved to a new building which wasn't nearly as cool.
That is a great theme and that one picture of the modern library-I am scared of heights-wow! amazing to visit all of these libraries. I did see the Library in Melk-that was amazing to see
Wow, this sounds like such an interesting theme!
Great interview!
(I LOVE visiting the library...)
I'm sad I missed her A to Z challenge! I LOVE libraries. I'm heading over to her blog now!
I remember visiting this wonderful blog during the challenge, and I am looking forward to reading about the rarest books or more libraries in the world.
Romi @ In the Way Everlasting
What a fantastic interview. I am such a book lover and libraries - each and every one no matter how large or small are sacred. THANK YOU for this interview!
Very interesting theme especially travelling around the world via their libraries. Neat idea. Maria, Delight Directed Living
OH WOW how did i miss this?? What a great idea!! I would love to do a world tour of these libraries, how cool would that be? Let's go!
It's nice to wander. What more than to be with books. One might even discover some long lost treasure. Yes. it's just great Lanise! Great interview! You made libraries enticing!
Hank
I too agree on that Research Library in Amsterdam. Had been there this March.
wow this was indeed an awesome and unique theme :)
I agree it was a rocking theme - I didn't get to all the posts but remember seeing Copenhagen and have vowed to visit it next time I go there - had never considered visiting libraries before :)
Wow! What a wonderful theme. They are all pretty amazing!
I'm just imagining the wonderful smell in those libraries...I love the smell of books!
~Katie
Very cool read must have a flick through their posts!
I love libraries-what a great theme! I am sorry I missed it-but will stop by and visit you~
I never could carry enough books-especially when the librarian said, "No limit!" lol
Nice to meet you~
Such a creative theme but who would not love a book related theme.
Hi Lanise - great idea .. and I love libraries and have on occasions written about them .. but I must get over and read your posts ... I too am sorry I missed out your theme during the A-Z .. still there's next year to look forward to ...
Cheers Hilary
I think it has two floors, with the main floor being huge, big enough for a good sized stage, two bars, and an entire camera and sound crew to set up a station as well.
Philadelphia venues
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