The first attraction we got to see in Leiden was Bibliteca Thysiana, the first public library in the Netherlands EVER! It was so interesting and our guide was so enthusiastic about the history and about the books in general. He knew all of the answers to our questions, and when we requested books that library didn't have, he had an explanation about why it wasn't there. The overall history of the library was amazing; who knew that someone back then was so enthusiastic about preserving books from that era?The day before we had gone to the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, and they had all the books and atlases they had in glass cases, so it was interesting to see all the books up close and not in those cases. & when someone asked about it, the guide actually said that it's better for the books because they aren't constantly being exposed to the light because they're closed and put away.
All the books he showed us were awesome; his choices that he thought we would find interesting actually were. The old Bible printed in German was fantastic, and all the hand colored drawings were beautiful. The smallest book in the library was adorable! & all the others that were requested were awesome!
The library was beautiful and it wasn't flashy, and didn't have the "bling bling" (as our guide put it), but it was still beautiful. & the history behind it was amazing. If I'm even in Leiden again I'll definitely have to stop by, even if it's just to admire the gorgeous facade!
I think the fact that it's an actual library where you can use the books is amazing! I've never held something so old and so valuable in my own hands. It's very unique and interesting that it was public even in its beginning.
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that it's an actual library where you can use the books is amazing! I've never held something so old and so valuable in my own hands. It's very unique and interesting that it was public even in its beginning.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that our guide said that it is better for the books to be kept out of the glass! I would have thought that it have been safer in the glass, but after he explained why it made sense.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that our guide said that it is better for the books to be kept out of the glass! I would have thought that it have been safer in the glass, but after he explained why it made sense.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated the fact that the look of the library was not flashy or full of "bling bling." I feel like if I was in a library that was super colorful and exquisite, I would not want to touch anything because I would be so intimidated! The library was very inviting!
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