Central Library

The Great Hall

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day we took some time to visit the newly re-opened Central Library here in St. Louis.  It had been closed for renovation for some time and it's grand re-opening was December 9th. (It was built and originally opened in January of 1912.)

Frescoed ceiling of the entrance hall

We're frequent visitors to our local branch of the library, but neither of us (or the small fry) had been to Central which is in downtown St. Louis.  Over the last few months, the library bulletin that gets sent to the house has kept us up to date about the progress, and plans for the opening. And I can tell you that it did not disappoint.

Fresco detail

The library, in and of itself, is a wonderful resource full of amazing books and friendly and knowledgeable staff.  Everyone we encountered was welcoming and courteous. We didn't have the time to get immersed in the stacks, but I can tell you that I have been daydreaming about losing an entire day there since our visit.  The oversized/folio section full of art tomes is beckoning the loudest...

Oversized stacks

Second amazingly ornate ceiling

But the thing that was most impressive was the architectural detail of the building interior.  It was nothing short of amazing.  I believe that it must be one of the most under appreciated features in downtown St. Louis.  The floors, woodwork, frescos, grand hall, ceiling tiles and metalwork banisters, grates and windows were breathtaking.  The place is full from floor to ceiling of creative inspiration.  Patterns, colors and details galore.  I'm so, so glad that went.  And we will be going back.  My better half and I are planning a library date soon.

Hall to the west of the grand hall

Amazing ceiling number three...

And four.

And the children's section... Nothing like the small fry had ever seen before.

Go. Go now.  You will not be sorry. To read more look here for the St. Louis Post Dispatch article.