Two postcards dating from 1909, both showing very slightly different views of St John's College library at the University of Cambridge.
The library was built in the early 17th century, about 100 years after the college itself opened. So this then became the new Library, the original one having been inside the college, on the first floor. By the time postcards were made, the "New" had been dropped and it was just the library.
The building is 110 feet long and 30 feet wide. There are 44 bookcases at right angles to the wall, 22 taller ones and 20 smaller with sloping desk surfaces on top.
As you can see from the following picture taken, I think, in 2007, little has changed apart from the name. It is now the Old Library. There is a more detailed history of the library on the college website.
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| By CharlieRCD via Wikipedia |
A post for Sepia Saturday. A click on the button will take you to the blog.
Wow! What awesome pictures. The college opened before the British even built a settlement on Durban Bay!
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed with how long these buildings stand the test of time
ReplyDeleteBeen there! Seen that! Truly impressive to me at 16 years old in 1953.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the contrast between the recent photo and the two postcards, or should I say, the similarity. I can recognise the individual bookcases in all three photos - it is as if it is the place where time stood still.
ReplyDeleteNow THAT'S a library! Those shelves are beautiful, so ornate.
ReplyDeleteAll that wood is beautiful, so much warmer than the miles of metal shelving.
ReplyDeleteI followed your link to find out more information. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteMe too. Did you know there is more under this floor? Lots of books.
ReplyDeleteI remember spending hour after hour in my own University library : it was my internet of the time, a place you could go off on endless and pointless trawls through information - instead of writing the essays you were supposed to be writing.
ReplyDeleteI like the way the stacks are set up and the airiness of the building.
ReplyDeletethe pictures remind me of a church with pews.
ReplyDeleteWhat an impressive place that is!
ReplyDeleteIt looks slightly intimidating, as do many big libraries at first, but I bet it's a fantastic resource once you know your way around :-)
ReplyDeleteA very impressive library, Sheila...I can just imagine the scholarly students who spent many long hours here.
ReplyDeleteIt may be the "old" library now, but it is like a church! Just stunning.
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