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$70-MILLION & 2-YEAR RESTORATION
BRINGS 100-YEAR-OLD LIBRARY
BACK TO LIFE
When completed in 1912,
the Central Library gleamed like a jewel
in downtown St. Louis.
Funded by tycoon Andrew Carnegie
and conceived by Cass Gilbert
(designer of the U.S. Supreme Court building),
the new structure featured stone archways
and ceilings harking back to the Renaissance,
magnificent stained glass windows,
bronze entrance gates, alabaster light fixtures,
plus cutting-edge technology like "book elevators"
and an air-washing system!
Like so many Carnegie urban libraries,
it had fallen into a shabby state.
But on it's 100th birthday, this past month,
the St. Louis Library's Central facility
has been completely restored to its
resplendent and original beauty,
and beefed up with WiFi and internet cables.
Best of all, the books have been re-shelved,
oak tables and chairs restored, and
this grand jewel shines once again.
I've always loved libraries, this is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThere are places that emanate peace ...
Good photos Rick.
A big hug.
What book are you reading?
Unas vistas y detalles preciosos Rick, un lugar bellísimo. Un gran abrazo para ti amigo Rick
ReplyDeleteC'est, certainement, par sa grandeur et son style, un lieu unique. On se croirait dans un temple ou une église. En tout état de cause, c'est au moins, un temple du savoir qui impose le respect. Belle série de photos.
ReplyDeleteJe te souhaite une bonne fin de journée, Rick.
Amicalement
Roger
So beautiful!Fortunately this library was recovered. Love to see it, specially the stained glass windows.xx
ReplyDeleteAnd what would be your favorite genre to read?
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good day today :)
Happy 12/12/2012
xxx
What wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteand spectacular library; wanted to be near a place like this, is sublime!
hugs!
Beautiful library! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete