Libraries

It seems to be that some of the blogs that I read and some of the people who read my blogs have a connection with libraries. Doug's blog mentioned that the library he works in is being refurbished / enlarged and that he's happy with the change. Good for him, he has to work in the place.

I don't use a library in London. Camden [Council] libraries are not very good, I've been in two of them, and was not impressed.

I was not concerned with the selection or range of books, I didn't even get that far. I was put of straight away by the fact that they have a children's play area. This didn't have any books in it but a wide selection of toys. Do they lend toys? Perhaps it was to keep the little loves quiet [fat chance!].

Anyway, my mind went back to the library in Crossgates. There is a website called the Leodis Database which has thousands of pictures of old Leeds. Amongst them are some pics of the library at Crossgates. I always remember that it was opened on the 14th December, my birthday, but in 1936 [as opposed to 1964, when I was born]. It was a marvelous 1930's style place, not art-deco, and is exactly the same today as it is in the following pics [or it was, the last time I was in there, about a year ago].

The Library Lobby

The central area of the childrens library

The childrens library again

The main [adult] library.

The view, taken from just inside the main entrance loby, looking into the main library.

The reference library, I never remember seeing this many books in it!

The "reading room". ultimatly taken over by social services.