Splendid Libraries: The New York Public Library

I think New York certainly ranks as one of the world’s greatest cities, and I have visited Manhattan on a number of occasions to attend library conferences. Alas, I have never actually been to the NYPL. Something about NYC is simply overwhelming for me, and I actually get a bit claustrophobic when I am walking down those streets and must crane my neck waaaay up to see the sky.

But someday I WILL get over to see the New York Public Library. The Reading Room is probably the most famous of the rooms in the library:

Although the Reading Room is the most famous, I rather prefer the Map Room, with its slightly warmer feeling:

The ceiling is a masterpiece of gilded splendor, but I think the wood around the gorgeous windows and the close proximity to books impart a warm feeling despite all the opulence. Even in this era when many people come to the library and use nothing but their laptop or other online resources, studies have shown that most library patrons want to be in close proximity to books. I know from over fifteen years of observation in libraries that many patrons come for a quiet place to study or do other online research….but they almost always gravitate to tables that are near windows or books. The NYPL Map Room has both going for it.

Photos are courtesy of GK Trammrunner and Diliff

Have you ever had a moment when you heard a phrase that was so simple, so clear in its intent, that it sticks with you? That happened for me when I was watching a re-run of Larry King interviewing Chris Gardner.

Those of you who saw the Will Smith movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, will know who Chris Gardner is. Gardner was a down-on-his-luck man who had lost everything: His wife, his career, all his money….his bitter girlfriend even cleaned out their apartment of every stick of furniture and all his clothing. With literally only the clothes on his back, he had to begin again. Gardner spent several months as a homeless man, washing up in subway restrooms while he struggled to find work and care for his young son. He ultimately landed an entry-level job at a financial institution, and through hard work mixed with a couple of lucky breaks, he ultimately became a phenomenally wealthy man.

Back to the Larry King interview. King said something along the lines of, “You were broke, you were sleeping on the streets… How could you get up and face the world every day?” And Gardner had a terrific response. He said, “Because I said to myself: Chris, the Cavalry ain’t coming. Get up and do something!”

Garner went on to explain that he realized he was the only one who could haul himself out of the mess he had gotten into. He could whine and complain…..or he could rise to the occasion and do what was necessary.

I can’t tell you how many times students have approached me at the library and complained about how their professors demand too much of them or that the college should re-distribute their workload. I usually smile and listen politely, then simply use Gardner’s line. “The Cavalry ain’t coming. Time to get back to work on that paper.” The line almost always earns a laugh, and it is amazing how quickly most students immediately snap out of the cycle they’ve worked themselves into.

And…I must admit, when I feel tired and run-down, I use the same line on myself, too!