LiteraryTraveler.net

Looking for a weekend getaway to the Big Apple, or perhaps planning a surprise trip for the book lover in your life?  The Library Hotel in New York City will make certain that your efforts are duly rewarded with bibliophilic charm. Conveniently located on Madison Avenue, the boutique hotel houses sixty guest rooms, and true to its name, the rooms are organized according to the Dewey Decimal System. Each of the ten guest floors are represented by a category of the DDC, with each room on a particular floor being uniquely designed in light of a topic found in that category. The eighth floor, devoted to Literature, offers rooms that range from Classic Fiction (Room 800.002) to Fairy Tales (Room 800.005).

While it is true that there are more historic literary hotels in NYC, such as The Algonquin or The Plaza, where literary legends such as F. Scott Fitzgerald once lodged, The Library offers a unique experience that will not disappoint. If history is what you are after, simply request a room on the ninth floor, which is dedicated to the subject. For a romantic weekend, popular room choices are the Erotic Literature room (800.001), or the Love room (1100.006) on the floor dedicated to Philosophy. From Astronomy to Mythology to a room in The Library dedicated to Libraries, there really is something for everyone. Request a particular room in advance, or enjoy the surprise upon arrival. Each room contains an individual library of books on the particular theme, and the hotel in its entirety contains over 6,000 books housed on its various mahogany bookshelves.

The second floor Reading Room is open 24 hours a day, offering a complimentary continental breakfast in the morning and wine and cheese reception in the evening. The fourteenth floor features a Writer’s Den, complete with fireplace, along with a Poetry Garden with access to a gorgeous rooftop terrace.The warm, comfortable atmosphere of the former is contrasted with the breezy eloquence of the latter and at night the two join forces to create the popular Bookmarks Lounge, where you can sip signature cocktails such as the Great Gatsby or the Capote in deep leather chairs by the fire or taking in views of the city on the terrace.

Extra incentives for the literary traveler include 24 hour access to an espresso machine in the Reading Room and chocolates left daily on each pillow inscribed with literary quotes. Specials and Packages are available through the hotel’s website and include a “Book Lover’s Deal” as well as a “Guilty Pleasure Package” which includes a selection of books from the historic Strand Bookstore, handpicked or selected based on your individual interests, as well as admission for two to the Morgan Library and Museum.

While there’s no shortage of hotels in New York City, the unique ambiance and bookish allure of The Library Hotel is a nice little niche.

Sadly, Queens Library, part of the New York City library system, has stopped buying books due to massive budget cuts.  This is in response to last year when Mayor Bloomberg asked the library to cut its spending by $4.5 million.  Queens Library decided on a drastic, but effective plan of action: to simply stop buying new books.

Tom Galante, Queens Public Library CEO, said the library had already trimmed hours and staff in the last two years.  Yet this wasn’t enough to save money.  Galante commented in WNYC News that, “It really comes down to libraries being about community … being a place for seniors in the morning, kids after school.”  Galante cites that the library hopes to buy books again starting in July when the new budget is passed.

For many, this decision comes as a shock.  A library not buying new books?  But this is the reality of today’s economy.  In the literary world, it is an unfortunate fact.  Personally, it makes me think of what I take for granted, and after hearing about Queens Library, I’ve realized I’ve definitely taken my book lending for granted.

Last year especially, I would visit my local library all the time to check out books.  It was also in 2010 that my city library underwent massive budget cuts.  Hours were cut and my library is no longer open on Saturdays.  Now that I have an ereader, I’ve been relying on this a lot more, but still, it saddens me to think of library books not bought, library programs cut, etc.

What do you think of the decision of Queens Library?  Was it the right one?  Please let us know.