BIBLIOTHEQUE ScHOELCHER

About right now, doesn't that above picture look great? This was taken off the boat that took us to the island of Martinque back in the late summer/ early fall on our trip. I still have pictures from the trip that just got organized. We spent a good day on Martinque and in the heart of Fort-de-France. The one cool thing I enjoyed was the Scholecher Library. This wasn't your average collection of books.

I love a memorable architectural building and good history. A memorable place this was. With its colorful facade and eclectic mix of styles- Eiffel-inspired metalwork, Art Nouveau flourishes, and Egyptian- Byzantine elements- it never fails to draw the eye of passersby I would think. The place was built by Pierre-Henri Pieq in Paris in 1887, before it was shipped, yes, shipped piece by piece by boat from the French capital in 1893. One can visit with or without a guide. Step inside and look up to appreciate its grand dome before discovering over 10,000 books bequeathed by Victor Schoeleher, the French politician famed for his pivotal role in the abolition of slavery. The ornate ceiling, vivid stained-glass windows and row upon row of literary treasures create a unique atmosphere spanning past and present. Inside, it's an active library, where I found a couple books about the history of slavery in the Caribbean and it's eventual abolition.  Just minutes away from there at what was the former courthouse is a statue of Victor Schoelecher. I think the library is a standout in style and severs a great community service there.