My next Doors Open destination was on Sparks Street, where the main annex of the Library of Parliament is located inside a former main branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia. I was not able to take a full picture of the front, thanks to Ribfest set ups on the same weekend.
They built these places to impress back in the day. The current main branch of the bank in the city is much more contemporary.
Inside is a blend of original architecture with contemporary infrastructure- all of which can be removed. At present, with the work going on at Centre Block, this annex, which is one of several annex locations for Parliament, has taken on the status of the main library for the Hill, while the actual Library of Parliament is inaccessible. It is open to politicians and their staff, but only open to the public for Doors Open.
Off to the side is a large office space that would have been the branch manager's office back in the day. A photograph of the building is found here.
This fireplace, with a painting above, is nearby.
The painting is the Library of Parliament on the Hill itself, a block to the north, with sunlight filling its interior.
I liked these bookends.
A bust of King Edward VII was here.
This detail in the wood panelling caught my eye.
Staff members were on hand to speak about the space and their work. We have more from here tomorrow.
A very impressive building.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteA fine library it is.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely.
DeleteThe wood paneling looks good.
ReplyDeleteI thought so.
DeleteA fine place where to find food for the mind.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteOh I do love a library. This one looks quite modern in a classical kind of way, very good.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteTiene un buen diseño y una buena iluminación.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Delete...this was built when people had grand visions.
ReplyDeleteTrue.
DeleteReally eautiful ornaments in your second photo today. Those details gives olde buildings such a beautiful identity of their own.
ReplyDeleteThey do.
DeleteLibraries are the true cathedrals of knowledge and deserve all the respect and grandeur we can muster. And just imagine, in Canada we don’t ban books. How enlightened is that!
ReplyDeleteVery much so.
DeleteThis is a very nice building.
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited a library for quite a while... and I am an avid reader. I am grateful for the invention of ebooks and eaudiobooks. :)
I am a regular library user.
DeleteBeautiful library and love the art work. Take care, enjoy your day and the week ahead!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteA beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteLove that painting of the library. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteImpressive indeed!
ReplyDeleteI think so.
DeleteWith the open tiers set up for books , it looks like a prison.
ReplyDeleteI can see that!
DeleteI'm not sure I've been in there! Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteProbably not, but if I'm able to do Doors Open, I always try to stop in here.
DeleteVery impressive library.
ReplyDeleteThat it is.
DeleteAn impressive place. It must have been a fine bank in its day.
ReplyDeleteBack in the day, they really made them to impress the customers.
DeleteLibraries are one of my favorite places ~ this is an impressive one ~ Wow!
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you!
DeleteThat is nice to be able to look around and ask questions.
ReplyDeleteIt is.
DeleteWow, fantastic library. Impressive.
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI love libraries and this one looks wonderful:)
ReplyDeleteIt is.
Delete