Every institution, university, and school has a library where students read and study quietly. The library is a learning institution that has existed in our societies since ancient times.
1. About Library
The word library comes from the Latin word “Liber” which means book stores. A library is a place where different collections of books are kept in different aisles.
The book varies from an encyclopedia, mythological, story books, comics, and dictionary, meaning you name it and you’ll find it in a library. But you need to follow one rule in a library: maintain silence and be quiet.
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2. Top 7 Libraries of the World
2.1 Library of Congress, USA
This is essentially both the national library of the US and the oldest library of federal cultural institutions. It is the largest library in the world for shelf space and number of volumes.
It is a major tourist attraction but only congress officials or government officials can check out the books so it is not a public library as it does not give full access to the public to read the books. It was formally known as the “Library of last resort”. The library includes 32 million books and 61 million manuscripts with maps, and descriptions over five decades old.
2.2. Bodleian Library, Oxford University, Europe
This library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe, established in the year 1602 as Oxford University’s library. The library includes more than 11 million writings, including more historical importance works like copies of the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, and Shakespeare’s first folio. The building is beautifully built and has made its appearance in films like Young Sherlock Holmes, the Saint, etc.
2.3. Reading Room at the British Museum, England
Located at the center of the Museum’s great court is the Reading Room of the British Museum. The round domed-shaped building is made with some special kind of papier-mache has only increased the beauty of the interiors of the museum. The reading room is the information home of a specially curated collection of art and the history of the British Empire.
2.4. Yale University Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, USA
This library is the largest building in the world that serves the express purpose of preserving rare books and manuscripts. The shelves are protected by glass walls and dim lights to protect the work from direct light. It is accessible to the public and is a major tourist attraction spot.
2.5. Vatican Library, Rome
The Vatican Library is one of the oldest libraries in the world and is under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome. The library was established in the year 1475, it has a collection of historic scripts, around 1.1 million books, and 75000 manuscripts.
2.6. National Library of ST. Mark’s, Venice, Italy
The National Library of ST Mark’s is housed in a Renaissance building in Venice and is a collection of classical texts in the world. In 1603 a law was enacted which mentioned that every book printed in Venice would have one copy in the national library. The collection of books is now over 1 million and 13000 manuscripts.
2.7. Boston Public Library, USA
It is the second largest library in the world which was initially a public-supported library in the US. It was established in the year 1848. The central Library consists of two buildings one which contains the library’s research collection called the Johnson Building and the other one which keeps the exhibitions called the McKim Building. It is open to local public and tourists.
3. What Is a Public Library?
Well, a simple definition of a Public library is a library that is accessible to the public and is funded by the public is called a Public Library. They usually conations local history and texts related to the rules and regulations of the city.
The Public funds it indirectly through taxes. It is operated by librarians appointed by the government who have a great knowledge of history and an interest in reading books. The librarian must maintain the library and books. The books are accessed freely by the public.
4. About Baltimore
Baltimore is a city in the state Maryland of USA, known for its important seaports. Baltimore has a rich history of sea travel and sea transportation. The city also has a strong industrial and manufacturing history, is home to some prestigious universities, and has the oldest public market system in America. The city holds a rich history and culture of ancient times which makes it different from other cities in America.
The city is also famous for its unique food items like Maryland blue Crabs, Snowballs, Coddie, Pit Beef, etc. The city is also the birthplace of the country’s National Anthem, the home of the Ravens and Orioles, and the city with the best crab cake.
5. List of 6 Public Libraries in Baltimore
As much as Baltimore is known for its culture and history, it is also known for its public library. The public library in Baltimore is called Baltimore Country Public Library. The city has one of the highest numbers of public and official libraries. Some of the public libraries in Baltimore are mentioned below:
5.1. Enoch Pratt Free Library
The library’s first branch was opened in the year 1886 and is one of the oldest free libraries in the country. Along with its amazing collection of books the library also has decorative moldings, beautiful murals, and an indoor children’s garden.
The library has different sections for all age groups leading from kids to adults. You will find all sorts of books there be it fiction or non-fiction, the library also provides DVDs of some iconic books that were later turned into blockbuster movies. They have a ton of events planned throughout the year like the pumpkin painting, Festive Maryland Days, etc.
5.2. Southeast Anchor Branch Library
It is the southeast branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library and was the first new library built in Baltimore in over 30 years, in 2007. The library has a modern touch with a cafe and a place to have events with family and friends. The highlight is the reading garden on the ground floor.
The library has community and meeting rooms, you can easily reserve these rooms a day or night before through an online registration process. They have a lot of features in the place free Wi-Fi, computers for public places, and photocopier and printing services.
5.3. The John Work Garrett Library
Evergreen Museum & Library– This library is a part of John Hopkin’s University Sheridan Libraries. This library holds a collection of rare books and manuscripts collected by two generations of the Garrett family. The library is easily accessible to researchers but the public need to have a special appointment to enter the library premises.
The library is meant for working hours and you can only work there if you have a prior appointment at the library. The library was originally meant for the students at Johns Hopkins University.
5.4. H. Furlong Baldwin Library
The library is a part of the Maryland Historical Society, it hosts around 7 million pieces of writing related to Maryland past’s including Francis Scott Key’s manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. The reading room is private and is often used for private events. First-time visitors need to fill up the registration form and do photo verification to enter the premises.
The library has a museum situated next to it, so the library also holds the insights of the museum. If you want to volunteer for the library, you can easily do that many law students tend to the internships with the library. They also provide rewards remuneration and collection of materials.
5.5. George Peabody Library
This library is one of the masterpieces of the 19th century. It is one of the most beautiful libraries in the country. It has black and white marble floors, gold leaf embellishments, cast iron balconies, and a skylight. It is easily accessible to the public during public hours. The library building was opened in 1878 and was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G Lind in collaboration with the library.
The university is associated with Johns Hopkins University. It was originally the central library of the university meant for the just use of students but now it is for public use as well.
5.6. Pikesville Branch
The library is the branch of the Baltimore Country Library. It hosts the country’s official documents and records from the past and even has maps of the city from past decades. This is one of the significant libraries with a beautiful architect.
Well, Baltimore is a city of readers that’s why most of the university’s library also has public hours for the local public to come around and read. Many gardens in Baltimore provide reading material so you can have a little picnic while reading with your family. The library has a nominal entry charge. The architecture of the library is historical and beautiful. You will love the book collection of the place as the library holds quite a few history books of the city.
6. Question/Answers: –
Q1) Why are Libraries always silent?
A) This is because reading in silence increases the focus and concentration in books.
Q2) Are we allowed to bring books home?
A) No the public library book can only be accessible in the library itself one is not allowed to take books outside the premises.
Q3) Name the first library in the world.
A) Al- Al-Qarawiyyin Library is the first and oldest library in the world it is situated in Morocco.
Q4) Who made the first library?
A) The first library was built by Ashurbanipal, King of the Assyrians.
Q5) Which is the largest public library in Baltimore?
A) The Enoch Pratt Public Library is the largest public library in Baltimore, it has 4 branches in different parts of the city.
Q6) What kinds of collections does the library have?
A) Different libraries have different collections the rare book library contains rare books, and the local city library has all the information required about the local neighborhood. They have books, story books, encyclopedias, etc.
