I'm a member of multiple libraries, but the NSW State one is my happy, happy place and echoes (quietly, of course, so as not to disturb anybody) the joys you found in NY.
I have a painting of the NSW State Library hanging on my wall at home. It features the front entrance with a man writing the word Eternity on the footpath. (I love the NSW State Library and served happily on one of their committees.)
It's a wonderful place. I agree that heaven must be something like its main reading room, perhaps with rolling ladders installed. I would love to see a snap of the painting. Is the man Arthur Stace?
Lovely piece as always. The only thing you forgot to mention was the smell! Sniffing books is not only delightful, but perfectly healthy. Such a range of olfactory experiences from modern art books to the old parchments in the manuscript rooms!
According to an article in the NY Times by Kerry Mansfield, "A common smell of old books, says the International League for Antiquarian Booksellers, is a hint of vanilla: Lignin, which is present in all wood-based paper, is closely related to vanillin. As it breaks down, the lignin grants old books that faint vanilla scent.”
Frances Bacon wrote that "Alonso of Aragon was wont to say in commendation of age, that age appears to be best in four things,—old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read. He should have added, "old books to smell."
Great article Steve! I visit Mac Uni library almost every month to borrow the books I need to write my Substack. It’s my happy place, and I too remember the critics who thought it was a waste of time and money. Tell that to the legions of students I see studying there whenever I go to get my books. It’s a splendid place - something to be proud of. Cheers David M
Thanks David. I am glad the library is being used to underpin your Substack. Great example of traditional meets modern and produces something that would otherwise not exist. .
I'm a member of multiple libraries, but the NSW State one is my happy, happy place and echoes (quietly, of course, so as not to disturb anybody) the joys you found in NY.
I have a painting of the NSW State Library hanging on my wall at home. It features the front entrance with a man writing the word Eternity on the footpath. (I love the NSW State Library and served happily on one of their committees.)
It's a wonderful place. I agree that heaven must be something like its main reading room, perhaps with rolling ladders installed. I would love to see a snap of the painting. Is the man Arthur Stace?
Yes, it is Stace. The painting is in Sydney, and I will make sure you see the real thing,
Thanks for another fantastic read Steven. Beautifully written - heartfelt and honest and incredibly evocative.
As a lover of libraries and bookshops, this piece warms my heart.
Lovely piece as always. The only thing you forgot to mention was the smell! Sniffing books is not only delightful, but perfectly healthy. Such a range of olfactory experiences from modern art books to the old parchments in the manuscript rooms!
On the Wonderful Smell of Old Books.
According to an article in the NY Times by Kerry Mansfield, "A common smell of old books, says the International League for Antiquarian Booksellers, is a hint of vanilla: Lignin, which is present in all wood-based paper, is closely related to vanillin. As it breaks down, the lignin grants old books that faint vanilla scent.”
Frances Bacon wrote that "Alonso of Aragon was wont to say in commendation of age, that age appears to be best in four things,—old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read. He should have added, "old books to smell."
Great article Steve! I visit Mac Uni library almost every month to borrow the books I need to write my Substack. It’s my happy place, and I too remember the critics who thought it was a waste of time and money. Tell that to the legions of students I see studying there whenever I go to get my books. It’s a splendid place - something to be proud of. Cheers David M
Thanks David. I am glad the library is being used to underpin your Substack. Great example of traditional meets modern and produces something that would otherwise not exist. .