I couldn’t legally add the photo here so go quick look the new Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago. Is that not a gorgeous library? Where are all the books you ask? Underground! By the sound of the article they are all retrieved by a robot, so I guess no open stacks to browse, but I think I might be willing to give that up for my own private study carrel.
This beautiful new library won’t matter much though after the world ends tomorrow. Or maybe it will since I won’t be among those taken to heaven in the Rapture. You know, the whole Rapture thing might be a good thing. Think of how much it will relieve rush hour traffic and cut down on the number of holds on the books I am waiting for at the library. Hey, I might be able to get that private study carrel after all!
Have a good weekend everyone. If you get Raptured up to heaven, it’s been nice knowing you. The rest of you, we should make plans for a post-Rapture book party.
I hope you have sunny days this weekend.
Did you happen to see Simic’s depressing article on Libraries in the New York Review of Books?
http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2011/may/18/country-without-libraries/
I’m not sure I have enough pull, but if I make it “up there” I’ll drag you and Bookman along with me. Now, that’s assuming a big “if” my dear. In the meantime, I’m adding to my 401k, which says a lot.
The open stacks, which are enormous, are still in the Regenstein Library next door. The Jahn building allows all of the off-site books to be moved back on-site.
The uneven concrete monster in the 2nd photo is packed with books, books, books. I spent so much time in that thing.
I saw a video about this at nonsuch book from youtube. http://youtu.be/ESCxYchCaWI
I can guaran-damn-tee you I won’t be Raptured, so hell yeah, let’s party! ;-D
I personally am hoping that at least a few of those people get raptured. good riddance!
I’ll meet you at the post-Rapture book party. Surely, we’ll be holding it at the Mansueto Library, right?
I didn’t know it was done! We’ll be in Chicago in July – I’m definitely making it a field trip!
Cool library–it reminds me of the pyramid in front of the Louvre museum. Too bad you can’t browse the stacks, but it is very light and pretty nonetheless. I suspect I won’t be going anywhere this weekend–long distance or short (ahem) so sign me up for that book party!
I think I have eaten far too much hamburger to be taken up in The Rapture.
Because I’ve lifted too many forks, I exceed the weight limits of the Divine Forklift.
At any rate — and for whatever reason — I’m still here.
It’s Sunday morning and all is well, here at least. However, I see no reason why we shouldn’t still have that party.
Since we have not been raptured, let’s party
And don’t forget to participate in my give-away for “A Gate at the Stairs”.
I’d love to see that library although I think I wouldn’t want a robot getting my books. At first it would be kind of cool but then I’d want to go through the stacks myself!
Well, good thing we are still here and the world hasn’t come to the end right? I mean, there are just so many books we all still have to read!
Hope you are enjoying your weekend, Stefanie!
Richard, I did see Simic’s article. Thanks for thinking of me!
Grad, you’d have to have quite a lot of pull to get me and Bookman and all our books with you up to heaven
Amateur Reader, thanks for the additional info about the library. The new addition is quite the contrast to the other building. Should happen to visit it, you will need to post a report with photos
Rebecca, thanks for the link! the school I went to as an undergrad and grad the first time around built a robot system while I was there and it appears to work similarly but Chicago’s is on a much grander scale!
Softdrink, looks like no one got raptured but I think we should still have a party
Daphne, no such luck!
Emily, the rapture didn’t happen but do you think the Mansueto Library will still let us have a party?
rhapsody, definitely put it on your itinerary and take lots of pictures
Danielle, One thing I wonder about the library is how hard it is going to be to heat in the winter with all that glass. Glad I won’t be getting the bill! I will have to start working on those book party invites!
Cipriano, LOL! We are all still here it seems for better or worse!
Annie, I think a party is definitely still in order. Now, how to plan it so we can all attend.
Willa, I’m ready to party like it’s 1999
Iliana, the robot book retrieval is actually quite efficient and very cool to watch. My university before library school had one and it was pretty nifty. I am glad that I still have time to read more books too!