babble-intro-img
babble is rabble.ca's discussion board but it's much more than that: it's an online community for folks who just won't shut up. It's a place to tell each other — and the world — what's up with our work and campaigns.

New Halifax Central Library is an architectural marvel

NorthReport
Offline
Joined: Jul 6 2008

""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""


Comments

NorthReport
Offline
Joined: Jul 6 2008

New Halifax Central Library establishes a civic landmark

http://www.canadianarchitect.com/news/new-halifax-central-library-establ...


lagatta
Offline
Joined: Apr 17 2002

That looks wonderful, and looks as if it has met the challenge of modern architecture in a historic city. I've been to Copenhagen, unfortunately not to Aberdeen, but it does look as if it would fit in well in an old port city.

On a much smaller scale, my new branch library is wonderful and well-loved: http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/portal/page?_pageid=7357,100603689&_dad=port...

Libraries are not made redundant by the Internet. They are an essential facet of digital democracy, making access available to all. Like La Grande bibliothèque, Bibliothèque Marc-Favreau is very popular and a wonderful meeting place where it is not even necessary to shell out for a coffee or a beer (though you can buy hot beverages onsite).

Our Grande bibliothèque is pleasant and full of natural light inside, but like many people, I find the outside ugly.


Unionist
Offline
Joined: Dec 11 2005

lagatta wrote:
... like many people, I find the outside ugly.

Hahaha, I misread that the first time round!

On a more serious note, I mostly borrow e-books these days from La Grande Bibliothèque. I don't like the stacks. And I don't sit around there to read a book. Maybe it's me. I just don't feel the same fascination browsing through library shelves that I did as a kid.

But if you offer me a round trip to Bilbao, I might just change my mind!

 


NorthReport
Offline
Joined: Jul 6 2008

Great pics Unionist - thanks.

http://www.guggenheim.org/bilbao

 


lagatta
Offline
Joined: Apr 17 2002

Well, my branch library is most pleasant, with its (gas) fireplace. I assume the CDN branch is the closest for you? I remember when that one was new and cutting-edge, as I did my BA and MA (also known as useless arts degrees) at Université de Montréal.


Unionist
Offline
Joined: Dec 11 2005

lagatta wrote:

Well, my branch library is most pleasant, with its (gas) fireplace. I assume the CDN branch is the closest for you?

Yes it is. I don't like it.

The last public library I actually enjoyed was the CSL (Côte-St-Luc) library, many years ago, but then when they started charging exorbitant fees for nonresidents, I regretfully stopped going. Then, with "Une île une ville", the fees disappeared, and I started going again. Then, of course, Charest came to power and de-merger happened. My head is still spinning.

I also used to frequent the JPL (Jewish Public Library), but then they re-designed and installed these horrendous "modern" movable stacks. It felt like the bowels of a submarine. But I still occasionally buy 50 cent books at their estate book sales.


Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Login or register to post comments