I don’t know how a missed this one, but Bookmans Exchange has a fabulous book domino video. Check it out!
Month: September 2015
The Secret Door and Haunted Library at Felbrigg Hall
What would a Gothic Style Library be without a resident ghost? At first glance, Felbrigg Hall, one of the finest country houses in East Anglia, seems like an unlikely candidate for specters or spooks. It is situated amidst vast parklands in North Norfolk. The Great Wood features 400 acres of oaks, sweet chestnuts and conifers.
The dark, dusty and imposing library is another matter. Former resident, owner, and ardent bibliophile William Windham III (1750-1810) is said to still enjoy a good book, seated by a roaring blaze. Windham’s passion for books led to his demise. While attempting to rescue a friend’s library from fire, he sustained injuries that ultimately proved fatal.
As he returned to his home in Pall Mall one summer evening in 1809, he noticed a fire blazing in the house of a friend. Knowing the home contained a valuable library, he immediately formed a rescue party. Windham and three others saved most of the valuable manuscripts. During the library removal, however, Windham fell, and bruised his hip. The bruise became a tumor, which ultimately required surgery. Windham did not survive.
The Book of Secrets. Taken in the Library at Felbrigg Hall
Locals say Windham’s spirit will appear if a specific combination of books is laid out. What they fail to mention is that the library includes around 5,000 volumes. Finding the right combination to summon Windham would take dedication, since the record of his favorites is lost.
Library Eye Candy: The Bedales Memorial Library, Steep UK
The Bedales Memorial Library, Steep UK, designed by Ernest Gimson, is regarded to be one of the finest Arts & Crafts buildings in UK.
The library was completed in 1921; built as a memorial to the students who died in the First World War. The Traditional English timber frame craftsman techniques used inside a brick exterior create a space which resembles a long Elizabethan tithe barn with an upper gallery.
Bedales School was established in 1893 as an “alternative” school, one of the first co-educational boarding schools in England.”
Oh joy! Oh rapture! The Library in Penzance!
Okay, that’s a bit of a stretch, but surely Gilbert & Sullivan would have had their pirates sing about the Morrab , an independent library situated in Penzance’s Morrab Gardens if they could have fit it in.
The Morrab sounds like an ideal location for a Victorian operetta penned by the famous duo. Even the name seems apt. Morrab is derived from the Cornish words “mor,” meaning sea, and “app” meaning shore or coastal land.
Set amidst beautiful gardens overlooking the sea, The Morrab is the sixth largest independent library in the United Kingdom.
It is remarkable because it houses a marvelous series of collections which have gradually been acquired since the library was founded in 1818. The Morrab houses more than 55,000 volumes and is strong in literature, history, biography, antiquities; topography and travel, and religion. Approximately 2,750 of its books were printed before 1801.
There is a collection of 3,000 Napoleonic memorabilia, which has been described as “the only great Napoleonic collection in the world.”
In keeping with the times, however, the library’s photographic archive has a computerized catalogue of over 10,000 prints and negatives of antiquities, places, people and events in West Cornwall. It recently acquired 15,000 transparencies of buildings, industrial archaeology and related interest.
Hem-azing Bookshelf!
Japanese design studio Nendo, working exclusively for Hem, has created a new and unique shelving system which can be configured to fit any space, design aesthetic and need. Nendo is dedicated to bringing “wow” moments to their customers, and their new Chain Shelving collection offers plenty of those – minimal form and playful functionality.
The modular Chain Shelving system consists of stable, elegant boxes with one open end. The modules are connected using a proprietary system designed by the Hem team, making it easy to configure a solid set for an abstract, minimal appearance, or create space between the modules for a lighter touch.
Go online and play around with their configurator to build something distinctive for your home or office. Nendo offers a variety of colors and finishes for each Chain block, allowing you to freely express your creativity in design. The dimensions of each box are : 15.75″ height x 17.75″ width x 11.75″ depth.
Founded by Oki Sato in Tokyo, Nendo has exhibited in the MoMA in New York and London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
Best off all, those of you looking to create a cat friendly shelf have a new chance to play.
Mr. & Mrs. Fox has a Secret Library Door!
We all love those secret library doors, and dream of ways we can fit them into our house. The designer for Mr & Mrs Fox in Hong Kong must have felt the same way. The 250-seat restaurant features a street-level craft beerhouse, a raw bar and steakhouse and a private dining space with its own terrace.
Best of all is the entrance to “The Den,” their private dining room and terrace. The designer scoured vintage shops to create a relaxed library vibe which melds beautifully with a “den” theme. You can easily snag a book to enjoy with your dinner.
Read It & Return Lending Library at Country Inns & Suites
WroteTrips has featured a number of bookish destinations, restaurants, and accommodations in the past, and all have been lovely. Let’s face it though, they may be inspiring, but many are inaccessible to travelers either due to location or price.
Book lovers in the United States and Canada have a great hotel option though, Country Inns & Suites. It has been about five years since I stayed in one of their hotels, but I found it so clean, comfortable and convenient that my husband and I booked another stay. Best of all, Country Inns & Suites has partnered with Penguin Random House Books and offers a complementary Read It & Return Lending Library.
Guests of the Country Inns & Suites are allowed to borrow any book from the Read It & Return Lending Library. If you don’t finish the book during your stay, take it with you and return it during your next visit to any Country Inns & Suites in the U.S. and Canada.
Some hotels have a modest bookcase tucked in the lobby, while others feature cozy reading areas.
Additionally, Country Inns & Suites recently launched a book drive for Read Indeed, a charity started six years ago by an eight-year-old girl named Maria who wanted to make the world a better place—one book at a time. In six years, Read Indeed has collected and distributed more than 1.5 million books to children around the world.
The September 8-22, 2015 campaign will provide book donation drop boxes at 100 Country Inns & Suites in the U.S. and Canada. Click for locations.
Travel Tip: I regularly stay in chain hotels while traveling, but I call each one prior to making a reservation, and ask how old their facility is and when it was last remodeled. I treat the number of years given like dog years. Four or five years may not sound old, but a busy hotel gets a lot of hard use.
Disclaimer: I did not receive compensation for these comments about the Read It & Return Lending Library at Country Inns & Suites.
The Read It & Return Lending Library at Country Inns & Suites has a wide selection of popular titles from the following genres:
- Family
- Fiction
- Mystery/Suspense
- Non-Fiction
- Teen
You can check their blog to find titles currently on offer, but here are examples of books available in the Summer of 2015.
Adult
Jane Eyre – By Charlotte Bronte
When Jane Eyre, a naturally independent and strong-willed young woman, falls for her dark and cold employer, her entire life changes. Join Jane through this emotional love story as she’s faced with difficult decisions after she learns a terrible secret about the man she loves.
Wards of Faerie – By Terry Brooks
Dive into the magical world of the Four Lands and meet Aphenglow, a young Druid who is faced with the extinction of her race. Aphenglow discovers the secret diary of a young Elven girl that may hold the secrets to restoring the Druid’s once-great society.
Rise to Rebellion – By Jeff Shaara
Step inside court rooms with John Adams, stand at the battlefront with George Washington, and meet with famed inventor Benjamin Franklin in Jeff Shaara’s Rise to Rebellion. This historical fiction novel brings the American Revolution to life like never before.
Wicked Business – By Janet Evanovich
Experience the adventure of a lifetime with Lizzy and Diesel as they embark on a 20-year journey to solve the mysterious murder of Gilbert Reedy and uncover an ancient secret. This adventure leads the two from the Boston catacombs to government buildings and everywhere in between.
Rose Harbor in Bloom – By Debbie Macomber
Explore the town of Cedar Cove with the three intertwining stories of Jo Marie, Annie, and Mary Smith. Between the death of a husband, a broken engagement, and a long-lost relationship, each of these women is learning to deal with heartbreak, acceptance, and starting over in her own way.
Calico Joe – By John Grisham
Meet Joe Castle – the amazing rookie who is taking the world of baseball by storm. It’s not just his incredible skills on the field that make him so admirable, it’s also his first-class attitude. Joe becomes the idol of a famous Mets pitcher’s son, Paul. The day Paul’s dad faces off against Joe is one he’ll never forget.
Odd Interlude – By Dean Koontz
Harmony Corners might look like the perfect place to stop and stay the night, with its beautiful cottages and welcoming diner, but there’s more to the vacation spot than meets the eye. Join Odd Thomas and his fellow travelers as they discover the horrifying secrets of Harmony Corners.
Leaves of Grass – By Walt Whitman
Celebrated as one of the greatest American writers of his time, Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass is a collection of poems written about the American experience. Delve into Whitman’s opinions on human nature and integrity in this famous collection of work.
Think and Grow Rich – By Napoleon Hill
Making money doesn’t have to be a secret! Napoleon Hill shares his formula for success that will surely educate and motivate readers to go out and capture their own fortune. Inspired by Andrew Carnegie, once the richest man in the world, the concepts are outlined in thirteen steps.
Sackett’s Land – By Louis L’Amour
Barnabas Sackett’s dreams of making his way to America come true after he comes across six gold coins buried in the mud. Sackett’s journey to America is not as simple as he planned, however. After he is attacked and kidnapped by pirates, Sackett eventually escapes and makes his way to the Carolina coast. While excited about the prospects of the new land, Sackett knows he must eventually return to England and learn his father’s secret.
Pre-Teen
Tunes for Bears to Dance To – By Robert Cormier
After Henry’s family packs up and leaves their hometown to escape memories of Henry’s recently deceased brother, Henry is faced with the many challenges of starting over. Amidst his personal struggles, Henry is also faced with a harrowing battle of good and evil when he encounters an elderly new friend and his prejudiced boss.
Children
Brave Jr. Novel – By Irene Trimble
Based on the movie “Brave” by Disney/Pixar, this book follows along with Princess Merida as she embarks on a journey and discovers what bravery truly is. The book even features eight pages of full-color images from the movie!
Confessions of a Former Bully – By Trudy Ludwig
A must-read for elementary and middle school children and a great resource for parents. Confessions of a Former Bully is told from the point of view of Katie, who gets caught teasing a schoolmate. Katie’s journey provides kids with valuable tools they can apply in real situations.
Butterfly Kisses – By Bob Carlisle
A classic Little Golden Book that should be shared between every father and daughter. Many are familiar with the popular song that topped the pop and country music charts and the book is equally sweet and endearing.
Great Toy Escape – By Kitty Richards
Everyone’s favorite animated toys are back for another thrilling adventure! Andy is getting ready to move to college, which sets Woody and the rest of the gang on their own comedic journey that follows the popular Disney/Pixar film.
How I Spent My Summer Vacation – By Mark Teague
Sure to be a summer favorite with the little ones, this tale of the Wild West will stir imagination and laughter! Wallace Bleff returns to school after summer break and tells his classmates a story they will never forget.
Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket – By Barbara Park
The funniest kindergartner, Junie B. Jones, takes young readers on another endearing and hilarious ride in this book. In this story, Junie B. and her classmates go on a fun-filled trip to a farm. She’ll have a chance to meet a farmer and pet animals, and more on this exciting trip
Pirate Mom – By Deborah Underwood
Be careful for what you wish for – a lesson Pete learns in Pirate Mom. Pete undergoes an entertaining and hilarious adventure when is mom is hypnotized into thinking she is a real pirate! The story is magical and the drawings are captivating. Yo ho ho, this book is a treasure!
Singing Librarians
Librarian Rhapsody, an new musical parody by the Shoalhaven Library Staff. Includes dancing with library carts.
WroteTrips™ 