This picture of a Dublin library was published in 1904. The photographer was Robert French of Lawrence Photographic Studios. I assume Mr. French would prefer no musical accompaniment, since he named the picture Quiet Please!
Does it seem much different to you than our libraries today?
From National Library of Ireland
It’s been a busy week, but I plan to have some new posts for you in the next few days!
old spirituals 
It is certainly built on a much grander scale than our libraries today and there isn’t a librarian around who would tell you to be quiet. They are just glad people show up. Kids run around, do crafts, play with toys, and if the “gamer’s corner” door is open, you can hear people shouting over the video games they are playing. It certainly is a different venue today.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I was admiring the beautiful light fixture at the top of the picture. The library in the town where I live is beautiful but in a modern kind of way. You’re right, it’s the grandeur that’s missing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
that was my first thought too! My library is never quiet! 🤣Lots of kids. I’d like to visit a place like this, if only to bask in the atmosphere!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Libraries were built like a place of worship in the early 1900s; I suppose because literature was worshipped at the time. Wish modern libraries, especially those at universities, provided book stands. I passed many a study hour in my college library.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wonder if that was because the belief then was that there was something divine about learning…
LikeLike
The New York City Library is amazing! Another beautiful library is the Smiley Library in Redlands, CA. I never get tired of visiting beautiful buildings such as these.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll add that to my places in California I want to visit!
LikeLike