Ode to Libraries
The above picture is of Fletcher Library, a joint Chattanooga city library and a library for the University of Chattanooga. It was built on McCallie Avenue in 1940 and remained the joint library until 1974 when a new library was built for the university after it became part of the University of Tennessee system in 1969. This was MY library. Thankfully, it still stands but is now the business school for the university.
In the bottom left hand side of the picture, inside the two windows, the children’s section resided. One would turn right off McCallie and immediately turn right again to go down a short flight of steps to the entrance. When I was in seventh grade, Jan Silverstein and I walked to the end of my street and caught the bus to go to the library many a Saturday morning. We would bring all of our books from school and sit at study tables in this ‘basement’ section in order to appear studious, I guess. I really can’t remember what we did once we were there. I just remember the ‘going’ and the ‘place.’ Oh, there was a drugstore across the street that had a soda fountain–best black walnut ice cream ever!
Now focus to the bottom right of the picture. Inside the windows at the same level were stacks and stacks of books for the college. It was there, while searching sources for a Sociology research paper, that I came upon descriptions of what life was like in the south for enslaved Africans. I later learned that the books were probably part of a collection entitled Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writer’s Project, 1936-1938. I stood for the longest in the dimness of the stacks, unable to stop reading horrible story after horrible story. A Southern girl taught the Southern version of the Civil War and having only the movie Gone With the Wind as a reference–imagine! Even though at the time I was married with a small child, it was a ‘coming of age’ moment for me that definitely influenced how I view the world today.
Climbing from the lowest level of the building to the highest, one would come across little nooks–rooms that had only one table and a chair, or maybe a table and several chairs. These rooms were in the gables of the roof and high up in the tower part of the building. They all had one or two windows, which were usually open, and very adequate lighting. From inside a room, one could hear sounds from McCallie Avenue and smell scents fromt he library gardens. It was to those rooms I would go to pass the time between classes. I used my extra time to study for tests or read assignments. Truthfully, I also used this time for power naps. With an open book for a pillow, I napped away relying on an internal clock to wake me for the next class. Oh how I loved those rooms!!
In the above photo, Los Angeles Central Library stands as a testament to libraries around the world. Plagued by a major fire and funding roadblocks, the structure and contents have an intriguing history. Susan Orlean, the author, conducted countless interviews and spent endless hours to give the reader not only the history of the library but also a history of LA itself. Some reviewers stated that they ‘could not put the book down.’ I did not find that to be the case, however, I did finish the book. And I’m glad I did! One must admire Orlean’s diligence and details. Having spent a great deal of time around school libraries and librarians, I found what must be universal library truths and idiosyncrasies to be both amusing and relatable. If you like libraries, try The Library Book.
And everyone knows this photo. The famous lions! In Fiona Davis’ novel The Lions of Fifth Avenue: A Novel, the reader is treated to a story of three generations of women whose lives centered around the New York Public Library. The book is fiction, but it tells the history of the library and unfolds as a suspenseful mystery.
And now, to end this unconventional “Ode to Libraries”, take a look at a book about libraries that would make a lovely addition to any coffee table.
www.thisiscolossal.com/2018/08/the-worlds-most-beautiful-libraries/
I’m reading and enjoying The Lions of Fifth Avenue right now. I also enjoyed The Library Book. And your comments and remembrances are priceless. It’s likely many of us have fond memories of a library in our past. Mine is in Panama City, FL, where the mother of a dear friend was “Madame Librarian” and taught us the best way to use the card catalog along with the pleasure of reading shelves. Such fond memories.
Becky P.
Well, Becky, you were also a Madame Librarian, and a very good one! I’m glad you found the post enjoyable, and I appreciate your comments. I was going to include in the post something about Book Mobiles, but there just didn’t seem to be a place for it to fit. Many people are bemoaning the fact that libraries are closed right now. Just being in a library space is special.