by Lauren Wahman
Whether it’s traveling to a library conference or other professional development opportunity or just exploring the world in our free time, we always love to scope out what’s going on in library land.
It was an easy walk to the Mackinac Island Public Library which has an incredible view of Lake Huron. It’s visiting the Library of Congress — the biggest library of them all! It’s time spent at the World War I Museum Library in Kansas City. Perhaps it’s exploring downtown Seattle and grabbing a picture of some cool architecture at the Seattle Public Library. Maybe it’s exploring history at the Boston Public Library or getting a strategy in place for the life-size chessboard at the Kansas City Public Library. And how about trekking halfway around the world to the beautiful Austrian National Library in Vienna!
We’ve seen some awesome libraries across the country and around the world, but there’s still so much to see! Where will Lauren, Michelle and Christian go next on their world library tour?
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- This room houses George Vanderbilt’s personal collection of books and it takes up two floors! – Lauren
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- More of George Vanderbilt’s personal library collection at Biltmore Estate. There were a ton of books! – Lauren
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- Reading Room, Boston Public Library: I had to tiptoe while taking pictures so I didn’t disturb patrons using this reading room — very quiet! – Lauren
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- Boston Public Library: Really cool architecture! – Lauren
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- South County Regional Branch, Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library: One of 20 branches for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library located in Charlotte, NC. – Lauren
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- Library of Congress: Amazing library containing books and so much more. – Lauren
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- Reading Room, Library of Congress: During the tour, we were taken to a spot that overlooked this reading room. Wow! – Lauren
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- Library of Congress Sign: If in Washington, D.C., you have to visit the LOC. Plus, they have a cool little shop where you can buy all your library must-haves! – Lauren
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- Kimbel Library, Coastal Carolina University: CCU is located in Conway, SC which is less than 30 minutes from the North Atlantic ocean — nice! – Lauren
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- Mackinac Island Public Library: This small library is right on Mackinac Island, MI. No cars on the island so you either walk to get to it or ride a horse! – Lauren
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- Seattle University is located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. I made several trips to this library while attending the ACRL Immersion Program Track. – Lauren
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- The Kansas City Public Library has a book themed parking garage. – Michelle
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- Kansas City Public Library’s outdoor, life-sized chess game. – Michelle
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- Kansas City Public Library’s Children’s room entrance. – Michelle
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- A quick stop at the Santa Fe Public Library during a cross country trip from Ohio to California along old Rt 66. – Michelle
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- The Garrey Carruthers State Library in Santa Fe, New Mexico. – Michelle
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- At the Seattle Public Library during the 2013 American Library Association Midwinter Conference – Michelle
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- Lauren captured a great photo of Seattle Public Library building. – Lauren
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- Outside of the Howard Washington Library Center’s main entrance. – Michelle
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- The view of Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center from across the street. – Michelle
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- On a recent trip to Disneyland, I stumbled upon Mickey’s Toon Town Library! – Michelle
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- The World War 1 Museum Library in Kansas City. The museums library has an amazing collection of WW1 literature as well as searchable databases where we could find war records of some relatives. – Christian
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- Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library in Vienna). This is an example of a hand illuminated manuscript with gold leaf accents. – Christian
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- Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library in Vienna). They had an amazing collection of rare books which, unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to get a closer look. – Christian
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- Österreichische Nationalbibliothek (Austrian National Library in Vienna). Located in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. The paintings and sculptures are divided equally representing war and peace. The people are a mix of mythological and historical figures all to symbolize the power and reach of the Hapsburg empire. – Christian