Library Laughs

I love libraries, don't get me wrong. There is nothing like being in a building that is completely dedicated to reading and contains more books than I could ever consume. The website Awful Library Books takes a look at the older books that are still part of collections across the country and pokes fun at the crazy titles, covers and material that somehow made it into print many years ago. It's kind of amazing that some of these are in rotation, but I guess if you don't have to edit things out, why would you get rid of a book? As with anything outdated like clothes, music, and hairstyles, these books allow us to look back at a different era and laugh about how much has changed. Prepare for a good laugh...

Awful Library Books

Personal Pride

My husband and I often dream of a day when we won't have to double-stack our bookshelves to fit all of our books in our home, perhaps even having a full room as a library. Imagine the organization possible! Flavorwire compiled photos of twenty phenomenal private libraries. From George Lucas's to Neil Gaiman's to Karl Lagerfeld's, there are some incredible libraries on display, each very different in character. Perfect inspiration for the future!

Personal Libraries (Flavorwire.com)

 Karl Lagerfeld's

George Lucas's

Books Abroad: Austria Edition

Along with a love of books, food and fashion, travel definitely makes the short list as it seems to with most people I know.  Without question, I subscribe to the thought that “the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” Even when traveling, books are a constant pull as evidenced by the fact that my husband and I often end up in bookstores or libraries.  With that in mind, I'll start sharing awesome libraries (or perhaps bookstores) that I find that I have been to or would love to see. 

First up is the incredible Austrian National Library located in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. It was established in the 18th century and is the largest library in Austria with 7.4 million items. It looks absolutely spectacular!

Photo from TheEuropeanLibrary.org

Photo from Bibliojunkie

Photo from Windows of Shanghai

The Dream

I'm fortunate that I have always been a reader.  Ever since I was little, I have loved curling up with a book and getting lost in the story and the world.  When Beauty and the Beast came out in elementary school, I clearly fell in love.  From Belle's love of reading to the fact that she's a brunette like I am, I was completely entranced.  I always thought the most striking part of the movie is when the Beast presents Belle with that exquisite library; it literally takes my breath away.  It is the epitome of what I dream of: spiraling staircases, tall ceilings and more books than you could read in a lifetime.  Absolute perfection. Too bad the 3D version Disney is re-releasing this month doesn't let me walk through the library itself!