Thursday is "This Old House" Day

Today's "old house" is my favorite Romanesque "house of knowledge" designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, funded by the Crane family, and dedicated in 1880.  It is Quincy's magnificent winter castle.  It is one of the 150 favorite works of Great Buildings Online and you can read an excellent account of this H.H. Richardson library masterpiece HERE.

Travel Tuesday: Concord, New Hampshire

The Concord Public Library seen here, was erected at the end of the Art Deco movement or about 1940.  It is an unusual architectural style for Concord.  The main entrance is a magnificent.

Stone Temple

The "Stone Library" of John Quincy Adams is considered by some to be the first Presidential Library. This building was constructed with granite from local quarries and holds more than 14,000 volumes.

"Free To All"

The Thomas Crane Library, one of H.H. Richardson's most successful designs, really shows beautifully with its spring landscape which was designed by famous landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted.  I  wish funding was provided so people could visit the interior of the library on Sundays.

Good Books, Cheap!

There is a new bookstore in town . . . the Friends of the Thomas Crane Library have opened a bookstore in the basement of the main library. It's opened on Saturdays from 10-2. You can read more about it HERE.
I found a hard covered copy of David McCullough's John Adams biography in new condition for $2. All proceeds go towards museum passes and special library programs.

"Free To All"

This is the emblem above the doorway to the Thomas Crane Public Library. The emblem seems very appropriate for these tough fiscal times facing libraries. The hours and service at Quincy's public library are scheduled to be cut drastically unless our city leaders come up with money or a different way to proportion next year's budget. Sixteen school libraries are facing possible elimination as well.

"Libraries will get you through tough times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries." ~Anne Herbert

If Only Money Would Grow On Trees

Quincy's beautiful library needs some money to grow on this tree to make up for a 10% budget loss this year to be followed by a proposed 9% budget reduction for next year. Hours have already been reduced and many people may lose their jobs unless changes are made to the budget.

I just don't understand why libraries get cut in tough times when more people make use of it for not just a good read but for internet access, entertainment, work, job search, research and special programming.

Adams

The vaulted ceiling in the entryway of Boston Public Library's McKim building is covered with a marble mosaic. Adams is one of the thirty names of famous Bostonians lettered in the ceiling. The John Adams Presidential Library is located in this building. Boston and Quincy have always shared resources as good neighbors do.

Iron & Glass

I like the contrast of the iron lanterns at the Boston Public Library and the John Hancock tower in the background. The tower is named for the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock, who was born and died in Quincy. Quincy's main street bears his family name as well.

Click here and see black and white images from some talented photographers from around the world.

Difficult Choices

I just got the news that due to a budget shortfall in the city, the library hours will be cut back and the library will be closed on Sundays beginning tomorrow! It's too bad that in tough times, when library use is at it's peak by the community, libraries are one of the first services to be cut.

This is an interior view of the original H.H. Richardson building. It was beautifully refurbished in 2001, when the addition was added.

Shapes, Shadows & Light

I couldn't resist posting this image for Monochrome Monday. I captured this inside the McKim building of the Boston Public Library.

The Quincy connection you ask ??? Architect Charles F. McKim worked earlier in his career for HH Richardson, the architect of Quincy's Thomas Crane Library.

Click here for more black and white images from around the world.

Winter Blanket

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The quiet of winter has set in at the 1870 Stone Library and gardens at the Adams national Historic site.

Readers' Paradise Revisited

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This is the owl and book relief gracing the Romanesque style archway into the Thomas Crane Public Library. It's fine free month; fines are going to be increased beginning July 1st. Follow the rules and it's still the best deal in town!

Temple Of Knowledge

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This is the 1908 addition to one of our city's architectural gems: the Thomas Crane Public Library. This addition, designed by architect William M. Aiken, was added to the to the original H.H. Richardson building, The ell shaped addition created more space and the wall of stained glass “bookplates” at the end of the Aiken wing allowed in more natural light. I love the warm glow of the wood here . . . I never get enough of it.

Presidents Day

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It's a federal holiday in the U.S.A today. We are honoring two presidents: both George Washington who was born on Feb. 22nd and Abraham Lincoln born on Feb. 12th. This photo was taken across Quincy Bay at President John F. Kennedy's Library and Museum in Boston.

Snow Laden Doorway

I like the snow laden branches leaning into the doorway of the Stone Library of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams. I wonder where President Barack Obama's Library will be built?

A Presidential Day

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Abigail Adams must have had many wet hems walking down these snowy paths. Click here to see the Presidential "Stone Library" in the summer season.

It seems appropriate on this historic Inauguration Day to post a picture of the Adams'Presidential Library in Quincy where the "Mendi Bible" is housed. This Bible was presented in gratitude to President John Quincy Adams in 1841 by a group of freed African slaves who had mutinied on the schooner La Amistad. John Quincy Adams represented the slaves in a Supreme Court case which led to their freedom. Long may freedom ring . . .

A Room For Quincy

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This is the wide view of the Quincy Room at the Thomas Crane Public Library and a follow-up to yesterday's "theme day" photo. The Quincy Room contains material about the history of Quincy, its industries and its residents. Famous local authors' works are also included in this room which is closed to the general public. The central table was designed by architect HH Richardson. We will revisit this special room in future posts.

November Theme Day Is "Books"

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Thomas Crane was a wealthy stone contractor who got his start in the Quincy quarries. This portrait of him is hanging in the Quincy Room of my favorite library that not only bears his name, Thomas Crane Public Library, but was funded by his family as a lasting memorial to him. This architectural gem is also my favorite book source!
Happy "theme day" everyone. Enjoy visiting other interpretations of City Daily Photo Bloggers theme of "books" by Clicking here to view thumbnails for all participants

Late summer blooms

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These late summer blooms are outside the Presidential Library of John Adams.