Bookish L.A. - Venice Beach

 

On a trip to Los Angeles we decided to head to Venice Beach for some Peruvian Cuisine at El Huarique (which was delicious, by the way). We came across a really neat bookstore called Small World Books. It's behind the seating area of a cafe and can be accessed by a door that doesn't look like much on the surface. 

Once inside the whole place opens up. There are both new and used books, some quirky and others bestsellers.  The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. I loved the shelf of Staff Picks at the front of the store. It's a great way to discover your next favorite book! 

Venice Beach is amazing for the people watching,  vendors, music, and lounging. Now it will also be on my list of great places to go to pick up my next vacation read.

Visiting F. Scott Fitzgerald's Grave

When I was looking for bookish sites to visit in Washington D.C. I had a little bit of a challenge ahead of me.  It's not that there aren't many sites to see,  but that I was only able to look around in the evenings because I was in town for a conference that occupied most of my days.  Imagine my excitement to discover that F. Scott Fitzgerald was buried a short metro ride away!

Turn left out of Rockville station

Rockville, the second to last stop on D.C.'s Red Line, stops very close to St. Mary's church where Fitzgerald is buried. When leaving the station you turn left toward the line of newspaper dispensers and the tall building with the clock on top.


Follow Church Street until you see the cemetery on the right. The church and cemetery are less than half a mile away.

I did not see a single person on this visit but found tributes left by those who visited before me. There were flowers, coins, pens, liquor, and a copy of The Great Gatsby.  It was odd to be in this tiny graveyard surrounded by traffic and buildings while still feeling quite alone. If you're in the area this is definitely worth the stop.

Bookish Paris: Shakespeare and Co. Bookstore

On our honeymoon my husband and I had a nine hour layover in Paris during which we completed a whirlwind tour of the city. Many of our stops were bookish (of course!). One of the first sites we went to was Shakespeare and Co. bookstore.  

This place has been on my bucket list for ages! The store's close proximity to Notre Dame made the stop doable on our tight schedule. I would have loved to see the original store that was open prior to WWII, but the more recent one was still really neat.  Many English language speakers were gathered discussing literature and food. The Bohemian feel was palpable. One of my favorite parts about going to the store was seeing the Wallace fountain out front. 

These beautiful and functional water fountains give me some faith in humanity. Combined with the atmosphere of the store, this structure and its water are downright magical. Affordable clean water and quality conversation for all.  My heart was full!  I would love to spend more time there when we aren't in such a rush.  This is definitely worth the stop if you find yourself in the area.

Printing Press Adventures

To celebrate National Poetry Month, Phoenix Public Library hosted an open house with their printing press! The Washington Press (circa 1895) made by the Ostrander Seymour Company of Chicago and donated to the Library in 1988. 

I took advantage of this great opportunity and printed my very own page to take home. I learned a lot and got to experience the energy that went into printing a single sheet. This was a very fun and unique experience!

Arizona Library Tour: Flagstaff Public Library

There is something about a library with fireplaces that makes me want to stay forever! Flagstaff Public Library is full of them. It was a lovely respite from the cold. 

Arizona Library Tour: Phoenix Public Library

The main branch of Phoenix Public Library is AWESOME!! From views of the city to a rare book room to every day resources, this library has a lot to offer visitors and regular patrons alike. On the first floor there is a glass elevator shaft surrounded by a pond, an art gallery, and a really cool kids area. On upper floors there is a free college prep area, a teen hangout, a rare book room, computer banks, and of course, enough books to satisfy the most obsessive bibliophile. I could spend days getting lost in this building! This is worth a stop if you are in the area. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Bookmobile

I was recently driving across the Navajo reservation and came across this epic library on wheels!! It is part of the outreach program at Flagstaff City - Coconino County Public Library. Patrons can check out and return books when the bookmobile stops by on its regular route. People can also request books or movies and the bookmobile will deliver them on the next trip out. How amazing is that!?!



I talked to the driver/librarian and he said that he enjoys bringing books to isolated communities. The bus also makes stops at the local assisted living facility.







While we were looking around a four legged bibliophile decided to drop by for a visit. I wonder what books he requested...








More information about this awesome library can be seen here.

Arizona Library Tour: Prescott

There are some truly wonderful libraries in Arizona. As I drove through over the holidays I decided to make a few stops to take pictures. The first library on my Arizona Library tour was Prescott Public Library. 

The sidewalks outside the library have an excellent timeline theme and then patrons get to meet "The Library Lizard" - a very cool statue lounging with some books.

 

Inside there was an area dedicated to the books and biographies of local writers and displays by some local artists. 

My very favorite part about this library was the children's section. An area was specially designed for the 0-5 crowd with padded "boulders" for kiddos to climb or sit on. For caregivers there is a comfy rocking chair in this area. For the older children there are the coolest benches EVER made out of giant books. I want one real bad. 

 

Whether in Prescott to see the courthouse, whiskey row, or some great art, the library should also be on the list for book lovers. Even if it is just to see the Library Lizard or the greatest book benches around.

For more information check out Prescott Public Library's website here.

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire

 

My visit to Shakespeare's birthplace was exciting and educational. The walking tour started in the parlor which had a bed on display to show just how wealthy John Shakespeare (William's father) was. We then proceeded through to the hall where the original fireplace could still be seen. Next we moved on to the workshop where John made gloves and then to the kitchen which was also a tavern at one point.

My favorite part of the journey was the back gardens. The flowers and herbs were carefully selected and are representative of the many mentioned in Shakespeare's works. It is said that there are no plants there that would not have been popular at in Shakespeare's time.

The beautiful building, period furniture, historical significance, and lovely gardens make this a very worthwhile stop.

I only have exterior pictures as interior shots were not allowed at the time of my visit.