Sunday, October 11, 2009

Kansas City Library Parking Garage :: Community Bookshelf . . .

"I found a picture of this the other day while searching for photos from Kansas City and I knew I had to go photograph it myself. This is probably one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I live here and I've never heard of it before—it makes me wonder what other secrets my hometown might be hiding." Jonathan Moreau

What secrets are hiding in your hometown?

Some info from the kclibrary.org website about the books, an art piece called "Community Bookshelf"

"The Community Bookshelf is a striking feature of Kansas City's downtown. It runs along the south wall of the Central Library's parking garage on 10th Street between Wyandotte Street and Baltimore Avenue. The book spines, which measure approximately 25 feet by 9 feet, are made of signboard mylar. The shelf showcases 22 titles reflecting a wide variety of reading interests as suggested by Kansas City readers and then selected by The Kansas City Public Library Board of Trustees." See more photos in the following article: Read more about the features of this architectural wonder here.

Thanks for stopping by the cottage for a repeat performance. I published this post over a year ago and it remains popular. Those of you who haven't seen it should enjoy it. Make the most of the long weekend...I know I will. ♥Rosemary



Content in a Cottage

7 comments:

Joanne said...

Okay, so this purely defines Cool! Amazing sight, I wish architecture was innovative like this much, much more often. What a sight.

Gal Friday said...

We have some beautiful and interesting architectural gems in my town, but NOTHING like that! I keep wondering how it is constructed. Painted books made out of metal?

Content in a Cottage said...

Gal Friday...I was able to find out this information:
The KC Main Library is in a converted bank building. The film and video materials are stored in the basement -- literally the film vault. They left the original vault with giant round door at least a foot thick and use it as a film screening room.

On his flickr site Jonathan Moreau says that if you pull out one of the books, it leads to an underground bunker.

Maybe the books are made of moulded cement covered in stucco and painted. Anyone with a flickr account can post a question for Jonathan Moreau by clicking on my link in the post.

Sorry I don't know more. I just thought it was so interesting and unique.

Best, Rosemary

Anonymous said...

Some info from the kclibrary.org website about the books, an art piece called "Community Bookshelf":

"The Community Bookshelf is a striking feature of Kansas City's downtown. It runs along the south wall of the Central Library's parking garage on 10th Street between Wyandotte Street and Baltimore Avenue. The book spines, which measure approximately 25 feet by 9 feet, are made of signboard mylar. The shelf showcases 22 titles reflecting a wide variety of reading interests as suggested by Kansas City readers and then selected by The Kansas City Public Library Board of Trustees."

kate said...

what a great photo!!! thanks for
sharing, i would definatly want this in my town....
happy new year
kate

The Queen Vee said...

I think I must take a trip to Kansas City to view this great library in person. Thanks for finding and sharing this with us Rosemary.

The Queen Vee said...

I think I must take a trip to Kansas City to view this great library in person. Thanks for finding and sharing this with us Rosemary.