Armagh Library

As you probably know, my travel trifecta includes visiting a library, a cemetery, and a grocery store whenever I’m in a new country. On my business trip to Ireland, not only did I hit the trifecta, but I also managed to visit two libraries. The first was Trinity College, which, let’s be honest, feels more like a tourist attraction than a functioning library. The second was in Armagh, and I absolutely loved it. Our small group had the entire place to ourselves! This is Armagh City Library, which is the oldest public library in Northern Ireland, from 1771. 

The Over-Photographed Library of Trinity College Dublin

My version of the famous "shot"

My passion for exploring and documenting libraries, a well-established theme on this blog, has spanned since 2012, taking me to diverse literary havens in at least 10 different countries. The allure of these spaces lies not only in their repository of books but also in their reflection of local culture, providing a unique lens through which I learn about the essence of each place.

However, exceptions arise when libraries transition into overt tourist attractions, a phenomenon I find disheartening. Nothing disappoints me more than encountering a library where the sanctity of touching books is forbidden. To me, the essence of a library lies in its accessibility and the tactile experience it offers. Regrettably, this is precisely the predicament with the Library of Trinity College Dublin. Despite technically functioning as a working library, it has morphed into more of a tourist spectacle where visitors are restricted from interacting with the books. It becomes a place to capture the perfect photograph and swiftly depart, deviating from the genuine essence of a vibrant, accessible literary haven.

All photographs here were taken behind a velvet rope. 

Library of Pingxi, Taiwan

My family took a day trip to the popular tourist destination of  Jiufen on day and decided to make the most of the long train ride by continuing to a small town in the mountains called Pingxi. Unfortunately, it was desolate compared to Jiufen and Shifen. Most shops and restaurants were closed, and we finished walking through the town in five minutes. 
My in-laws were disappointed, but I was overjoyed at the discovery of a cool-looking public library. 

Although the building was quite large, the library only took up the third floor. So once you exit the elevator, you come across this welcoming scene of small paper lanterns - the town's hallmark. 

I was impressed with the one-floor one-room library's spacious layout and abundant seating. 

Some study tables looked out over the town like seats at a cafe. Notice again the lights n the shape of lanterns. 

I found an amazing book on all thing Louis Vuitton there. I was surprised that such a book would be in the library of a small town like Pingxi.

New Orleans Latter Branch Library

Just a quick hop off the streetcar at the edge of Garden District in New Orleans  is a gorgeous old library. This building from 1907 fits in charmingly with the atmosphere of New Orleans.

Unfortunately, the building is much more impressive on the outside than on the inside. The first floor boasts a beautiful entrance and lobby, but the tiny second floor, with only a few computers and bookshelves, looses the aesthetic and disappoints in both size and decor.

Most of the photographs I took are of the first floor and a few accent details on the second floor.

The outside of the library was also impressive, with gorgeous gardens and plenty of gazebos and outdoor seating.

Minneapolis Central Library

Recently I've been doing a lot of domestic business trips and have visited Minneapolis twice in the last few months. Thankfully, on both trips I was staying right next door to the Central Library downtown and had a brief moment to tour this impressive building.

Upon first entering this library, the first thing I noticed was the metal floor grate. Given that there was a few feet of snow outside, I need to stomp the snow off my boots when I walked in, and the metal grate was perfect for that. 

Once you're inside the inner foyer is very impressive...

I also liked how this library made a subtle joke about Donald Trump. Recently Trump made a comment about being a "stable genius." The strangeness of the remark is not lost on people. The librarians here decided to curate a collect of work by "unstable geniuses."

I really loved this beautiful wooden doorway.

From the inside of the foyer, you can see some really nice reading pods on these balconies. In a cold town like Minneapolis it's nice to feel like you are sitting outside...inside. 

My other favorite room was the teen room, which has this amazing red wall. 

Finally, from the windows of the library, you can see the views of snowy Minneapolis.