You know the sense of anticipation, and sometimes even wonder, that you get when you open a new book? That’s what I got walking up the grand steps and in the doors of the New York Public Library. After all, Patience and Fortitude are guarding those doors and I was walking into the second largest library in the US (Library of Congress is #1). It’s the third largest in the world.
Five Tidds, with a 65-year age span, took the subway and walked to its entrance on 5th Avenue and 41st Street on a hot, humid afternoon. While I was driving the 240 miles to get there, the two 40-somethings had run an 18 mile training race for the NYC Marathon in November, so I think it’s safe to say that only the eight year-old and the 17 year-old were fresh. They were all marvelously kind to go with me as I began my cross-country library tour in their city.
NYPL opened in 1911 so it has been serving its diverse residents for over 100 years. It’s four stories are open to the public–their reference items alone exceeds 43 million. Oh, I need to stop or I’ll get too excited and go on and on. It was a splendid start to my tour.
Nathan, Diana, Sophie, and Lachlan with Patience.
The Rose Reading Room is 78’x297′ with a 52′ high ceiling. The walls are completely lined with reference books.
I love this picture of Diana and Lach entering this room–notice the ceiling seen through the windows above.
Neutral Ground 