From yesterday's test run. (Courtesy of the NYPL)
The NYPL will be offering an open air reading room from August 5th through 15th, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's no substitute for the currently closed Rose Reading Room, but who can complain about an open air extension of the iconic building? (Be sure to scroll down for complaining in the comments section.)
The library "will quite literally bring reading to the street, opening an outdoor reading room on the plaza of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street." There will be free wi-fi, and books that have been specifically recommended by their librarians.
From yesterday's test run. (Courtesy of the NYPL)
One and all are welcome, and encouraged to take photos... because these days everything has a social media angle. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The NYPL explained more on their blog:
"This summer, The New York Public Library celebrates the excitement and personal joy of reading with the hashtag #ireadeverywhere. Beginning on Aug. 5, we are asking all of you to join authors, librarians and other readers from all over the world to share your favorite—and unusual—reading spots, along with the hash tag and our handle, all in an effort to inspire others to pick up a book (or an e-reader) and start their own adventures. Be sure to follow NYPL on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest to see the best #ireadeverywhere selfies that we'll share daily."
Now, can someone open a year-round outdoor library? The stacks can be in trees and underground and heat lamps and transparent tents can keep patrons warm in the winter. JUST THINK ABOUT IT, okay?
