You may remember, I showed you my library, the one I use all the time. Indianapolis has 23 branches, and this is the big downtown library — Central Branch. We go there, too, but not as often. We got the girls their very first library cards there, which was exciting, because Central Branch is quite fancy with its limestone and marble and chandeliers and shelves way over your head. It’s all very Belle enters Beast’s library. Also, it’s enormous. I wanna say it has six stories. You could easily lose your Moo there.
In my daytime photo, you can’t really see the addition to the Central Library, but you can in the night photo. That lit up section behind it is the library’s addition.
My photos are not good, but we can thank IndyStar.com for this gem —
Thank you professional photographer. Back to my photos now, me, sans flight capability…
I apologize, I am not democratic or unbiased about art. I only photographed the art I like.
Here you see Thinman. On the same panel to the right of the entrance, there is what appears to be a large donut. Truly, I don’t know what it is. It’s called Little Bird, but it looks like a donut. Or a cervix. I won’t say it’s not art, I’ll just say it doesn’t make me feel anything.
That bison though…
Love the lamps!
Only the center door has the iron gates and since we were there well after the library had closed, I’m going to assume they don’t shut them. I love historical details like these. I’m glad they’ve kept them on, even if they’re merely ornamental.
#ThursdayDoors is part of an inspired post series run by Norm Frampton. To view other interesting doors, click the link and see what others are posting today.
Today’s Daily Post also focuses on doors.
joeyfullystated 
Libraries being some of my very favorite places on earth, I can only love your post. Photos included. Love also the mention of your daughters’ first library cards. A big step for readers.
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Thank you 🙂
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I love libraries. These are great photos. I like yours and I like that you take pictures of the things you like. That makes them better than the pro-in-the-plane. His/her photo is a work product. Yours is special (at least to you).
I think every library should be atop an agonizing set of steps!
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Very kind, thank you 🙂
Yes, perhaps they should, we readers are not as active as we could be!
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You had me a soon as I saw those columns. I like the way the modern addition doesn’t intrude into the original building. Great shots BTW 🙂
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Me too, Norm. The funny thing is, when you’re in it, it seems to transition very well. Once you’re completely immersed in the new side, it feels 100% new and modern, but it’s like you’re eased into it.
You’re very kind about the photo quality, I appreciate that.
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Doors? These are DOORS to go with this spectacular library. Wow. But, I think I have to stay with my small town one so I don’t need a GPS since I am directionally challenged. 🙂
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Wow, wicked addition. I can imagine what it can do to you if you haven’t visited for a while. Looks like alien occupation. The bison means business too! And you photos are not shabby at all!
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You’re very kind, thank you. Yes, the addition is a completely different thing, but they sorta transition the interior in a gentle way. It’s nice, and it gets LOTS of light, I really like that.
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Wonderful pictures! I love that thin guy statue, too. 🙂 Is your bison there all the time? We had one this year, but only this year, because it’s — I’m not kidding — Indiana’s bison-tenniel. The lamps are AWESOMESAUCE! I was going to post pictures of MY library today, but I didn’t get the old building, alas. Maybe I can grab a snap of it between now and a week from now.
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I hope we get to see your library. Your posts always make me wanna Wander Indiana 🙂
Very kind about my photography 🙂 It’s funny you mention the bison, because I don’t remember it being there last time I went. I remember reading about the bison-tennial thing, too, so I think you’re spot on!
Right? Those lamps are downright awesomesauce!
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I might post about the new library, and do the old Carnegie building separately. Y’all come on down to Corydon some time!
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This library is amazing. With all those steps it looks like a building in DC, yet there it is in Indy. I especially like the stylish wi-fi logo on the door. Tres chic.
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We have a LOT of Greek architecture here 🙂
Tres chic, lol 😛
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A library to be proud of, without a doubt.
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Love it all – the lamps, columns, Thin Man, even the Bison (from the stains on the concrete, it looks like he might have had an accident).
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I’d love to tell you he snorted when I hugged him so hard, but I’m sure you’d never believe I’d hug a bison statue 😉
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Good post. I loved the pictures you took. The library in some ways reminds me of Asiatic Library in Mumbai. If you Google it you’ll see the similarity. I usually go here for concerts and for casual walks.
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It does! Thanks for sharing that!
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Beautiful, looks like a government building. What is that modern building in the background ? Looks a bit out of place.
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Libraries here are funded by the state, so it kinda is a government building. The modern building IS the addition to the library. Although it doesn’t match the style of the facade (half a mil a hundred years ago, can you imagine what an addition that size would cost now?) the interior more or less eases you into it. I love the new section because it’s really bright with all the windows. It’s cheerful. Sometime I will photograph the inside. I have actually, but I seem to have misfiled the pics…Last time I was there they had some fabulous displays in the atrium. I’ll get back there. It’s easier to get requests there 🙂
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The thinman is interesting. I love when buildings like this are accessible to everyone. Libraries are great.
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I think the addition is an abomination compared to the original building, which is beautiful.
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Well sure, but can you imagine what it would cost to build the addition to match the original building? Whoa. Ain’t nobody got money for that, lol! But, on the inside, it’s a nice transition. Someday I’ll get some interior shots. 🙂
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I know that’s always the argument, but it’s the same idea as when the original was built. Inflationary dollars and all that jazz. There was a time when folks spent the money and made things of beauty. Now only Las Vegas and Disney will do it.
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I love libraries! They are my go to happy place! I love the big old columns on this!
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😀
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It’s a grand and elegant library! Is it a Carnegie Library? The steps leading up to prominent door would mean elevation by learning, and the fantastic lamp would fit with Carnegie’s symbolism of finding enlightenment through reading.
The night images with the lovely light in the library after dark are wonderful! I’m sure I’d have a favorite nook or corner in that library to read in.
I take #1 Grandson to our neighborhood library one to two times a week, and I’ve already showed him my favorite chair…it’s in front of the fireplace. I hope he loves that place as much as I do one day. I’m looking forward to signing him up for his first library card. It was pretty amazing when I signed my kids up for their first cards…that feeling of teaching the importance, and wonders of a good book haven’t changed in all these years. I just hope he likes reading! It’s early days yet. He’s only 3.5 yrs old. I’m teaching him the letter sounds and phonics now. I see early signs of him reading and it’s exciting! 🙂
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That’s a sweet little tale about your grandson, thanks for sharing. I think library cards are SUCH a rite of passage, I’m glad you’ll share that with him.
This branch is not a Carnegie library, but we do have plenty of those in Indy and throughout the state.
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Oh the BIG Library is one of my most favorite places. As a matter of fact it is where I got my first parking ticket back in 1967. Airborne or not great pics. The thin man reminds me of Giacometti’s “Walking Man” or the aftermath of a lost weekend.
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That’s funny about the parking ticket! I almost mentioned how it’s always easy to park around there. Seems to always be parking right across the street!
I had to look up “Walking Man” and you’re right, there is a similarity. I had no idea you were an art lover! How wonderful!
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I’ve always loved libraries and love finding old ones to visit. Gorgeous photos, the bison is cute 😍
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🙂
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Wow, what an impressive looking library. It is HUGE! 🙂
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Great stuff! I think you just dispelled some of the myth that “you can’t tell a book by its cover”!
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🙂
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Joey, an outstanding selection of unique features! I liked the green lantern, I thought of my Grandpa who used to read this hero comic strip character to my brothers and me. The bison is really neat and solid art, the flimsy one would make more sense if it had a “pod shell” or “milkweed pod silhouette” title attached. Your cervix idea made me laugh, then it could be on a health center or maternity/pregnancy section of a big hospital. The final last really fantastic part was the rod iron gates with neat grille work. Beautiful doors post selection but I did like your smaller, homier one which smelled like musty books and had a nice scenic drive, Joey. 🙂
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Thanks, Robin, I do prefer my lil library and all its smells 🙂
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Donut or cervix, I love it !
This post triggered a memory of reading a book about two kids that run away and hide in a big library. If it rings a bell and you recall the name, let me know!
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Thanks.
Are you sure it was a library and not a museum?
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Maybe it was a museum – it was long ago – it’s going to drive me crazy!
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” The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” ! Yes, it was The Met ! Ah well.
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Yes. I couldn’t think of the name 🙂
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The white building in the third photo looks like a gigantic novelty printer.
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