The ideal library. Is it personal or is there a sort of universal ideal? Alberto Manguel in his essay “Notes Towards a Definition of the Ideal Library” in A Reader on Reading seems to lean toward the ideal library being personal:
The ideal library is meant for one particular reader. Every reader must feel that he or she is the chosen one.
But at the same time that the ideal is personal, it also has universal elements to it and is public, not private:
The ideal library has comfortable but supportive seats with armrests and a curved back, like those of the lamented Salle Labrouste at the Bibliotechque nationale de France. The ideal library has ample desks, preferably with smooth leather tops [yuck! wood is just fine for me thank you very much], sockets for electronic equipment (on condition that they perform in utter silence), and soft individual lights that remind you of the green-glass reading lamps at the Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires.
So, a public library but one that feels like it is the personal library of every reader? I can agree to that even though I am greedy and would want the library to belong just to me. I’d let you all visit, of course.
Other things the ideal library should have according to Manguel is open stacks, the “promise of every possible book,” room to endlessly expand, and most important for a short person such as myself:
No shelf in the ideal library is higher or lower than the reach of the reader’s arm. The ideal library does not require acrobatics.
And believe me, I have performed acrobatics in libraries and bookstores when the book I want is on a shelf higher up that I can reach and there is no stool to be found. One must resort to the timeless art of climbing the shelf while imagining it will fall forward on top of you and bury in books.
My ideal library has twists and turns and secret nooks while at the same time when I know what book I want I can find it easily and without a treasure map. My ideal library also has every book I want to read on the shelf at the moment I want to read it. No waiting – hold 56 of 80 – and no waiting for the book to be delivered from another library. I can walk in, take the book from the shelf and start reading.
My ideal library also allows me to have the book out for as long as I need it. So of course there are no late fines. And the library hours, open whenever I have the time or inclination to walk through its doors. No standing outside looking forlornly in because the library is closed on Wednesdays or only open until 5 on Fridays.
What traits does your ideal library have?
I think my ideal library is very similar to yours, especially the shelves that aren’t too tall. I’ve climbed far too many rickety shelves in my day!
The only thing I would add is that next to the very comfortable reading chairs are side table for the delicious coffee that would have to be provided. Then, there would almost never be any reason to leave.
To your list I would add–my ideal library has more than enough space to keep adding books. No weeding necessary…at least not in the fiction section, thank you very much.
I think you & Colleen have my ideal library mapped out – from the reading chairs you can feel a nice heat from the fireplace (and no spare the air days) in the winter and there’s a lovely view of the ocean.
The ideal library for me has a coffee lounge, comfy sofas that let us sink in, read and drink our latte and put up our feet. Then, I wouldn’t mind that much waiting for a book. I just checked, my place in line for Room by Emma Donoghue is 447.
Ha, I am a master at shelf-climbing. Also the mental gymnastics required to convince myself that climbing the shelves is a legitimate and not at all questionable thing to do in a public bookstore/library.
I’m selfish like you, though – my ideal library is mine, all mine.
Ah yes, I hate being short in the library! Especially when none of those stools are handy. My ideal library would never have a book the computer tells me is on the shelf, but cannot be found (even by a helpful librarian).
A perfect library is one with a slightly odd system of classification: you find your book eventually, but not before having your attention snagged by a dozen other books first.
I think Manguel’s library in the barn in France, with the books from my library added, would be perfect.
Well, I’m definitely with you about opening hours. I’m still seething to find that some US libraries open on a Sunday. But I quite like climbing, as long as there are proper library steps with the seat at the top on which to sit. And, going in the other direction, a carpet on the floor, so that when I’m browsing round the lower shelves I can sit comfortably while I decide which books to take. Oh, and I want it to be well used, so that there is no question of it closing, but the books that I want never to have been taken out.
Oooh the fantasy library game! I’m just greedy. I would like my library to hold not just all the books I’ve ever wanted to read (already quite substantial) but all the books that I will love, but do not yet know about. Ahhh, bliss! And yes, really comfy chairs are a must.
My ideal library has a Slurpee machine. I admit that my priorities may a little messed up.
Oh, the squatting and the craning of the neck to view top and bottom shelves! The hunting for those little step-stools on rollers! Then, again, in most libraries the room provided by those top and bottom shelves means more books available. Someday, I’m going to claim one of those step-stools and just peruse the books on the upper shelves. Or sit on one, and roll along the bottom shelves looking for titles I’ve missed.
When I was in elementary school, I designed libraries for my future house. Typical English-Manor House-Libraries with the rolling ladders, a fireplace and several comfy leather chairs. It always had large windows and a lovely library table as well. The books were all leather-bound and beautiful.
Now, instead, I have little “library nooks” in different areas. Upstairs, in my studio are most of my yoga books, but some are in my favorite reading nook downstairs where I keep the majority of my books. A few books that I’m currently reading are near the door, so I can read when sitting on the patio and on the table at one end of the sofa.
Our public library has lots of reading nooks, but I’m not sitting there; my books are coming home.
My ideal library will be more like a private reading and writing club. It will have comfortable chairs, walls and walls of bookcases stacked with books, a setting where members can read and converse as they wish. Drinks and snacks will be served throughout the day. There will be computer stations and the library will have laptop ports and offer free Wi-Fi. There will be a set of rooms where those who are writing a book can work. Several groups will be formed centered on an author, set of novels, or literary issue. One will definitely be a Proust Group. Afternoon and evening lectures will be given a few days each week. Seminars will be periodically offered when library members or invited guests will offer for discussion a paper they have written or one-in-the works. There will be a film program devoted to author biographies and cinematic versions of works of fiction. Newspapers of record will be available for all. So will free parking. To sustain all this there will be a modest membership fee. The library will also well endowed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and its Chief Librarian will be the well-known, highly regarded, well- read Stefanie Hollmichel.
See also: http://marksinthemargin.blogspot.com/2009/01/house-of-reading.html
I like all the attributes mentioned in your post. Here are some more for my own library: lots and lots of windows that look out on fantastic views, a candy counter with things like gummi bears and Swedish fish, plenty of computers, so if I need to look up something online while reading, I don’t have to wait or sign up to do so, automatic orders for any book I have to get ILL, and delivery to my door on those days when I just don’t feel like going out — even to the library. Oh, and there is a restaurant/cafe attached, because if I’ve decided to spend the whole day at the library (a favorite Saturday activity, when I haven’t got any other obligations), I hate having to leave to go get something to eat.
Definitely no tall shelves. I can get 6’4″ Hobgoblin to help me when he’s around, but if he’s not, I’m stuck. I just want some comfy armchairs to flop down into while I sort through my stacks of books
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My ideal library chairs are in the British Library! And they’re comfy!
Colleen, oh yes, h ow could I forget side tables and coffee? And I think there needs to be ottomans too so we can put our feel up.
Danielle, oh yes, there would have to be a limitless amount of space wouldn’t there? Weeding books just would not do.
Carrie, ah, we will all be very happy in that library!
Arti, 447th in line? Those sofas had better be really comfortable and the lattes especially delicious!
Emily, LOL, yes those mental gymnastics! They took me a bit to master. But my husband who climbs shelves like a monkey after a banana coached me well.
Jeane, oh yes, that is frustrating, isn’t? The computer says it should be there but it isn’t and no one can find it. Always disappointing.
Anthony, I’m with you as long as I can find a specific book when I am looking for it. And yes, Maguel’s library in France is gorgeous. I could be happy in it.
Annie, library hours are a tricky thing. Most branches don’t have the money to be open seven days a week 8 – 8 so they come up with weird hours where they will be open from 10-6 on one day and 12-8 on another and usually closed on Sunday and Monday. But the ideal library wouldn’t have to worry about money
Litlove, yes! It definitely needs to have books I would love if I only knew about them and they should jump off the shelf at me on a regular basis!
Cameron, oh you made me laugh! As long as we could somehow make the slurpee machine quiet I see no reason not to have one.
Jenclair, your reading nooks sound lovely and worthy of bookish envy.
Richard, where is this library and when may I start working there?
Emily B, a candy counter would go well with Cameron’s slurpee machine
Since this is the ideal library you will never need to request books through ILL, everything you want will always be on the shelf. I like the home delivery option. Very nice for those weekend days spent on one’s pajamas!
Dorothy, flop worthy chairs are definitely a necessity!
Well, one of my pet peeves for sure involves the hours. So many times I’ve made a trip to one branch or another only to find it closed.
Secondly, good lighting and third — quietness. A coffee place would be nice, too.
As for home libraries, the one I most admire is that of film-maker George Lucas. It is exquisite.
Cipriano, oh yes, good lighting is a must, but not too bright. I didn’t know about George Lucas’ library so I had to go look it up. Oh my is it gorgeous!
My ideal library is open 7 days a week and late on Friday and Saturday nights.
Kathleen, I think we might be visiting the same library!
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I am going to have to get A Reader On Reading after reading all your blogs about it (albeit late to the table).
My ideal library would have disproportionately high shelves a la Alice in Wonderland decor with those roll along ladders (FYI I’m 5 ft). It would have no kids section interrupting the silence. It would smell like mahogany and dust.
The library is St Gallen Switzerland is beautiful but unfortunatly most is inaccessable to the public
delihah, I hope you enjoy the book when you get a copy. With those high shelves and ladders you are obviously not afraid of heights!
Too bad about the St Galen library. The ideal library needs to be completely accessible to the public or at least to you!
towering shelves, bolted to the walls, as tall as the vaulted ceilings, with a ladder on a track at the top and wheels below so i could take a spin in style thru the stacks. and a current paper copy of the NY times on tap.
My perfect library is one where I can get lost. Is a little dark. Like the ones from the good old days in castles and big cities.