BIBLIOMANIA

A couple weekends ago we were in Baltimore for the weekend. It had been years since I'd seen the Peabody Library in the beautiful Mt Vernon neighborhood. The George Peabody Library is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful library spaces but is also an essential space for teaching, reading and doing research. At one time the Library of the Peabody Institute dates from the founding of the Pebody Institute in 1857. It was originally use as an institute for music but then the Massachusetts born philanthropist George Peabody gave the city and it's citizens the library in appreciation of their "kindness and hospitality." The building in one of many of the Peabody Institute, and this building was opened as a library in 1878 and designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G Lind. The spectacular architecture, glass domed roof 61 feet above the floor, and five tiers of ornamental, cast iron reading rooms and balconies are very dramatic upon entering. If you don't expect it, when you enter, it's enough to take your breath away. A great way to kill a day looking at titles and finding a quiet corner to work or read. The place contains over 400.000 volumes mainly from the 19th century with strengths in religion, British Art, architecture, topography, American history, biography and literature, romance languages and literature, history of science, geography, exploration and travel, fiction and nonfiction, and a huge art section.

One of many card catalogs.

Talk about finding a place to reading. And it all in distance of other things to see in the My Vernon neighborhood.

And of course, there is always time for a cock-a-tail. 

An offer I can't refuse!

And don't get me started on all the freindly guys walking in and around John Hopkins, the Peabody Institute and Mt Vernon..... No wonder Divine loved this city so much.