Library Inspiration


When I went to the library to do a little research for a "Little Women project, I found inspiration.

No matter how many times I visit Concord's library, I get that same thrill that I had when I fist discovered this treasure.

What's it like to be in the historical library in Concord, Massachusetts?

Once you open the doors to the Concord library, you know at once that you are in a special place.  Located in Concord, Massachusetts,  this library is one of my favorites.

A large living room-like space greets you.  Comfy couches and chairs circle coffee tables lined with stacks of books marked with notes.  Staff favorites, Concord favorites, Concord authors.




As your eye travels to the ceiling, you see a narrow balcony that trims the room.  With books that continue to the ceiling, that balcony makes you want to stay forever exploring.



Beautiful artwork is hung on the walls, and a large reading room off the main entrance takes your breath away.   Beautiful large tables holding lovely lamps line the room.  Above, there are lit chandeliers adding just the right amount of charm to your study experience.




Rooms and rooms of old beautiful woodwork, and tall ceilings.  Bookcases from floor to ceiling with collections such as, Emerson, Thoreau, Bronson Alcott, Margaret Fuller, and Louisa May Alcott to mention a few.  Their special collections have grown into quite an elaborate resource.



Tucked into locked cupboards, looking so perfect, books all lined up showing off their beautiful leather and gold leaf bindings.


Sitting amongst amzazing little volumes, reading the words of such great writers, philosophers and poets,  Concord's library is pure inspiration.


Wing chairs are tucked into cozy corners, arranged nearby bookcases, with just the right amount of light to read comfortably.  Tall chairs, covered in tapestry reminiscent of toile from the turn of the century invite you to sit and spend hours enjoying this special experience.



I asked at the front desk, how to have access to Louisa May Alcott's cupboard.  She said that you have to go downstairs and meet the curator.  "You will find a door at the end of the hall, and you will simply ring the bell and she will let you in."  Just that explanation was charming enough, not to mention the thought of having access to a cupboard of Louisa May Alcott Antique books.





What's it like being inside Concord's library ... it's like touching American History.







I am doing some research on Louisa May Alcott for a new fabric collection I call Little Women.  Spending time in this amazing place will surely be a joy and inspiration.




And then there is always Christmas at Orchard House.  I found the soundtrack for the movie Little Women.  Another inspiration for this holiday season revisiting the movie Little Women.






Claudia said...

Oh my darlin -- How you inspire me! The work you do is something else. The photos of the library are cool. I can almost smell the library smell... :) does that make sense.

To me there is always a certain smell about old leather wonderful books. One of those smell that remind me of my childhood.

Have a lovely weekend. HUGS!!

Blondie's Journal said...

What an awesome experience this must have been. All of that history all around. I wish you all the best with your research...the fabric is going to be wonderful!

XO,
Jane

Jane Doe said...

Thank you for the lovely tour through the Concord Library. Libraries hold such a treasure of life within the walls. And to think...anyone can walk in, sit down,and be whisked away to another world.

My imagination is running wild with wonder as I ponder your Little Women fabric project. I look forward to see the finished product.

Snap said...

Now that's a library! :D :D

Terra said...

I would love to visit this library; it is perfect looking. The wood, the tall book shelves, the books with gold lettering on their leather spines. I much prefer this ambiance to the new steel and plastic buildings.

Kathleen Grace said...

This library looks magical! I have been enjoying library visits since I was very little. I took my oldest daughter fromthe time she was born and my youngest daughter would think she had died and gone to heaven in a place like this:>) I don't know if I could ever drag her out if she saw it! lol. Lucky you to have this gorgeous resource!

Inspired By June said...

{sigh} I love old library's too, thanks for the tour and the sweet comment you left on my Christmas trees!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love spending time at a library! It feels good...all over! And I just bought Little Women for my mother. It's such a good book and movie! ♥

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning dearest,

I am so at home in an environment like this..peace, quiet, inspiration. THANK YOU!!!!!! Anita

Dolores said...

Deep rich wood paneling, lots and lots of so many beautiful books and wing back chairs.....that's what I'd call wonderful!

Love the front door and wreath...
Hugs

Rhondi said...

Hello my friend
What an amazing place. I could spend all day there! Thanks for stopping by recently. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgving with your family.
Hugs, Rhondi

Vee said...

Ohhhh, it has always been my fondest wish to have a home that looked like an old library after a fashion. That one is particularly charming. So did you go down the hall and did the curator let you in? I do hope so. This all reminds me that I can watch Little Women again and very soon. Christmas shows up three times in that movie, doesn't it? And I adore the rag ribbons for the wreath. I will remember that this year.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a magnificent library! I would love to access to a treasure like that. Your new "Little Woman" fabic idea sounds so pretty!

- DESIGNED BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -