For as long as I can remember, I've always been fascinated by libraries. However my initial fascination wasn't the books on it's shelves or the services they provide, it was their look and architectural appeal. Growing up in Manchester, I was treated to not one beautiful library building but several. The John Rylands Library still remains my favourite. Irrespective of the glass framed corporate banking bullshit that now engulfs the area where it stands (and chain pubs), it still stands proud as a benefit of 19th century Northern entrepreneurship. It's pleasing to hear that Manchester Central Library after over 3 years of refurbishment is set to reopen it's doors on 22 March.
Whilst my time at University and College didn't lead to a career directly (when does it?), it gave me the sense of purpose to get inside my library, take advantage of the resources and services they provide, and more importantly to read widely. Now residing in Bristol, I recently become a part time librarian, which has reinvigorated my fascination with the architecture and also the grand stocks these historic buildings hold. Bristol Libraries is celebrating its 400 birthday this year and events are ongoing throughout.
The main reason behind the blog, is after retiring my previous mainly music based blog I was left with itchy fingers. So I thought I'd start another based on my discoveries mainly in (and outside of the library). This will include not only books, films, plays and events but music too (I've just started thumbing my way through Bristol's hidden vinyl collection, mainly poetry, classical and south west folk music but you never know!) that I've found on the racks and been reminded of. Knowing what I'm like, it'll probably just turn into music, but I'm happy with my initial intentions, I hope you enjoy what you read.
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