I’ve eyed a few libraries as we have been traveling; I have even stepped foot in a few. There is one library in existence that I absolutely had to enter though. It may not be the original, but it is still well worth the time to visit.
What’s at the Library?
The New Library of Alexandria upholds many of the same goals as the original great library. Its main focus is collect and share from all the cultures in existence. I always remembered the original great library as having the goal to collect all the written works of note – a lofty goal these days. While the New Library of Alexandria does not share this goal, it does contain many volumes. Currently, the library has about 1.8 million books, but has the ability to house up to 8 million in its main collection.
It’s goals are similar to any library: the dissemination of knowledge, and to provide a space for learning and sharing between people and cultures. To facilitate this, the library is much more than a repository of books (also like most library today). The New Alexandria Library contains museums, exhibitions, rare book collections, manuscripts, archives, a planetarium, an auditorium, and it provides numerous programs to educate and entertain, including tours of the library.
The Golden Ticket
An architectural wonderland of glass and stone in lofty angles greeted me as we approached the library. I was in awe of the one section that displayed various symbols from a variety of languages. As a lover of languages, particularly the written word, this was fascinating to view. Impatient excitement thrummed through my body as we waited in line for tickets and then double security. A quick process in reality, but it felt like ages to this bibliophile. It was a strange experience to need to buy tickets to enter a library. Both pleasing that a place of knowledge touted so much excitement and sadness that a monetary cost was being applied. Membership can be purchased for the library for repeated use, or there is a single-entry ticket (There are several paywalls depending on the exhibits one wants to visit).
Guided Tour
A lovely young lady took us with a group on a tour of some of the spaces of the library. We began with some history lessons on the original Library of Alexandria and a description of the spaces and services provided by the New Alexandria Library. The new library was built near where the old library once stood and as stated previously, has a variety of spaces and services. We got a bird’s eye view of the space thanks to a diorama. It really did wonders in displaying the size of the 11-storey building and its several 100,000 square feet of space.
My crowning geek moment occurred near the end of the tour when she asked if we had any questions. I couldn’t help but ask about the libraries’ acquisitions process (whether they had an annual budget or mostly received donations). She had mentioned earlier about several of the donations received, including a large francophone collection. After a confused look, she confirmed that while they do have an annual budget, that a large part of their collection came from donations. In terms of what the library focuses on purchasing: mostly scientific and other non-fiction. Wonder if she could spot the librarian?
Wandering in Bliss
After the tour it was time for the best part. We found our way into the stacks. I ran my fingers along shelves, taking in the full view. I even poked my nose into the shelves to see what could be found at the New Alexandria Library. There were classics of literature, new popular titles, maths, sciences, books about language, books in other languages, just about anything you could look for. And there was more than ample space to work. The back of the library was pocketed with private study rooms while the open spaces had rows upon rows of computers and tables.
Large, but Cozy
Inside the library, more architectural wonders were revealed as well. The lofty heights of outside are exhibited in all their glory in the main reading room. Pillars in the shape of lotus march through the space, leading the eye to the carefully constructed skylights. They are shaped like an eye and let in indirect light so as to protect the books from sun damage. Blue and green filtered light (the land and water) also illuminate the space from here. These are calming colours and easy on the eye. Walls and ceilings are pockmarked in a special sound dampening way producing a lovely hush in what would otherwise be an echoing cavernous space.
Job Prospects
To fully understand and appreciate all that the New Alexandria Library has to offer, I would need to spend much more time there. They do have monthly memberships and volunteer opportunities, or perhaps I should see if my schooling can get me a job there?