This is not intended to remind everyone of Independent Booksellers Week, which literary aficionados don't have a clue about. It's about the library. Summer could be the best time to drop by the place.
Before the Internet turned our world upside down, the library is the most important place in a community. For instance, the Library of Alexandria was the most significant storage of ancient works. There were tens of libraries from the ancient world, none of which wouldn't be less obscure than Alexandria. As a matter of fact, the city-state of Athens might be more impressive. (Otherwise, Aristotle would object to it.) Perhaps Alexander the Great saw Egypt as the meeting of two different cultures. Furthermore, he could have admired the civilization predating Ancient Greece.
In literature, the library would be more than the source of knowledge. In "The Historian", Elizabeth Kostova would cast a darker tone on the ancient libraries in Europe. This antiquated place was the reason why Vlad the Impaler managed to live through the centuries. There was no doubt that evil made him stronger, which would excite the followers of vampire literature. But they would wonder about the origin of vampires. Some might be disturbed at Kostova's revelations. (It's not Transylvania.) A diabolical aspect to this Gothic tale, which would lure more readers. If a real library would match Kostova's unsettling description. But look again.
This is the best time for traveling, and a library must be included in the itinerary. Here are five good reasons:
If you want history, then look for a library. Don't look elsewhere. Venice might be the best example, as a trip to this seaside community wouldn't be complete without riding on a gondola. Tourists would be surprised at the appearance of Libreria Acqua Alta, where the hardbound books are arranged in an unusual way. Blame it on the weather. This could be a different aspect of the Venetian landscape, which would entice travelers who are looking for a different experience.
It's getting hot, so pick the best place to stay for a while. You would consider your own hotel room as you'd rather take a rest. Not a bad idea, but you may not go back. You rather want to make the most of your holiday, and a library is a good option. Make sure that the librarian will agree to your request (of taking pictures).
You're not too old for aesthetics. The study of beauty and taste goes back to the dawn of civilization. Don't be surprised if ancient humans strive for it while painting the cave walls with illustrations of mammals. The library would be the ideal outcome, which could say a lot about man's reverence on literary materials. Placing those books elsewhere would be considered a sign of disrespect.
There could be a book for you. It doesn't mean that you're a serious collector of books, as the first editions could fetch millions of dollars. You simply couldn't find a copy of the title you're looking for, and it happened to be available thousands of miles from where you live.
You're about to become a casualty of boredom. You're not in the mood for sightseeing, as you opt for silence and solitude. And you miss the company of authors.
Do you have other reasons? Tell us.
