We ventured off to our very first visit to the Barbican Library! The library itself is a part of the whole Barbican Center. This huge brutalist architectural cement building is filled with theaters, restaurants, and an incredible library. When entering the library for our tour we were met by smiles and a great friendly staff. Our tour guide Geraldine guided us through the library showing us how the stacks were sorted, and materials checked out. They had a very vast music collection, significantly better then my local libraries at home. With this collection they had CD's, Records, Music scores, and Electronic Piano's (for people to sign up and use for one hour increments). This music ranged through many Genre's so that anyone would be satisfied and able to find music that suits them. The music Librarian Richard, was so knowledgeable happy to show us what was stored in their collections, he was also very proud to show us their current display, "It's (Not) Only Rock 'n' Roll...)" a collection of pictures by Mark Allen. To learn more about this really fun (and free!) exhibit, CLICK HERE.
I want to also mention (and show you) one of my absolute favorite parts about the library: The children's section! This is why, many of the children's picture books were separated alphabetically and put into wooden bins on the floor (see below). This method is wonderful for giving small children the ability to pick up their own books and to search through them! I know the books have the potential to get a little mixed around, but I loved this idea! The boxes are so colorful and easily accessed for little ones of all ages.
