Northwestern Libraries

The Northwestern Libraries were some of the most intellectually stimulating, awe inspiring, and unique libraries that we have visited. Not only unique in shape, the radial design, but unique as far as content and collections. I was also very surprised by all of the collections that are specific to Northwestern, and yet so important to people all over the country and the world. Along with that, I was very interested in all of the special projects, such as the African maps, that are being done by the staff at the various Northwestern Libraries.

Winter Garden

Winter Garden
Originally uploaded by pirazzinik.

Yes, that is an olive tree! There are several in the winter garden on the 9th floor of the Chicago Public Library, and they are lovely.

Photos that the Harold Washington

Some crazy art on the way up to the third floor of the Chicago Public Library. This library is full of incredible art. It has everything from paintings and sculptures, to historical artifacts such as cannons and civil war era paintings of Custer. It is truly an extensive collection.

The Chicago Public Library

Harold Washington Library:
The Chicago Public library was the absolutely incredible! My first thought upon entering was, where are the books? It looked more like an office building or museum than a library. This idea was also proved wrong when we were shown the rest of the facility. The library was, as Greta said, awe inspiring. I have never seen such a fantastic collection of knowledge. The fact that each subject needed its own floor was also quite interesting. What I found most fascinating was how much that the library had that wasn’t books. The art and historical collections, as well as all the multi-media facilities really surprised me. I also thought of libraries being a place for books, this was more like a museum and a library combined. As impressed as I was with this library it really intimidated me, and I don’t know if I would be brave enough to use it, unless I knew specifically what I was looking for. It was so big and there was so much to look at, it was too “business” like for me and not comfy cozy as one would expect a library to be.