Browsing through photographs of bookshelves on Flickr is one of the most enjoyable "learning experiences" I can imagine having. Page after page of books stacked in shelves stretching to the ceiling, rainbows of spines, and architecture as monumentous as the knowledge contained in the millions of books within...well, I could have spent a lot longer than an hour looking at images like this.
But the photo to the above right is the one that got my attention the most. The instant I saw it, I wanted this room. I can almost smell it, the picture is so vivid - the scent of old, dusty books and a candle that smells like baked goods, apple pie and cinnamon. I think photos that are truly good do this - they excite senses other than sight.
I can just imagine what is behind this door... If it were my library, the door would lead to a secret room with big leather couches and overstuffed armchairs, a thick carpet on the floor and old lamps scattered around on antique end tables. Maybe even a window that lets in just enough evening sunlight to highlight the specks of dust floating in the air when you settle down with a blanket and a cat in your lap to read your next thick novel.
Everything about this photo just makes my imagination go crazy. I always said I wanted a library of my own with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves crammed full someday. Now I think I'll add "secret room with hidden revolving bookshelf door" to that. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?
