The Observation Deck

snuck through the west side of the library the other day was very impressed with how the buildings flow, and work so well together.



Can't wait for the opening.


More on my May Photoblog.
http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... photo-blog


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Jim O'Bryan wrote: Can't wait for the opening.
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Ditto.

What I'd like to know is who picks the colors for the rooms?

That's two rooms with funky looking lime colors that make me dizzy. I wouldn't want to read in those rooms, the walls scream "turn around and go the other way". If I was a kid that came there with his parents, I'd cry and sit down and make them drag me in there. I hope that kids will be able to learn that reading IS fun, but walls like that throw everyone's senses off.

I guess I'll start believing the Library Hype once there's something in there that is of value. Other than that, to me, it's a beautiful building from the outside, with interior designing that commits every artistic sin imaginable. And the walls, they're artistic suicide!

Great job LPL!

Ivor

The Board, along with Mr. Warren have created what can only be called a miracle.

They have taken the top library in the country, and wrapped it with a Robert A. M. Stern building, with Robert Haas murals, and will be returning to us, a library that is even better, bigger and newer.

On the world stage, something Lakewood rarely tries to do, this was amazing.

It will be seamless.

It will be beautiful.

It will become one of the great metropolitan museums in the USA and maybe beyond.

The most impressive thing in this county for a long time.

Thanks to all that made it possible.


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Ivor:

When did you begin matriculating in hysteria?

I thought you were studying journalism.

You may be the Van Gogh of the Wood. But get a grip, dude.

Should I call the infirmary?

Kenneth Warren

Just beautiful, I honestly can't wait.

I've loved Lakewood Library ever since I was little, growing up right across the street from it on Arthur.

During my ill-fated 5-month hiatus living in Willoughby Hills last year, the Lakewood Public Library was one of the biggest reasons I couldn't wait to move back...that and Angelos.

There is seriously nothing else like the LPL.

And Ivor, while not to your extreme, I do agree a bit on the colors, only in my case I think there are just too many different ones used for my personal taste, but it's not that bad.

Guys,

yes I know it's the best library in the country. And yes, the building is historic and beautiful and breathtaking.

But the color of the walls!

I'm not tyring to be part of this hysteria that's sweeping the town, Ken. I just think whoever picked the Lime green and yellow walls, along with the purple carpet, failed to see that it looks like Barney blew out his brains in the kids reading room.

I'd like to add that I'm looking at these photographs with one eye, since the other eye is inflamed and covered at the moment. So once I'll be able to take the "beauty" of these screaming hazard colors with full vision, I'm sure I'll dislike it twice as much

While I'm not a huge fan of those colors, there is a happiness factor that is great for kids with these colors.

Kids love primary colors, the louder the better.

Also it is bright and cheerful.

Igor - quit being a fuddy duddy.

Robert A.M. Stern Architects proposed the colors and the Board of Trustees selected the boldest and brightest scheme proposed.

Given the gray weather of Cleveland, the color selection was intended to brighten, enliven and warm the interior.

However, the color is rooted not in Barney and friends but in the Thorvaldsen Museum, Copenhagen.

In addition the color palette is spiced in the children’s room with tropical vernaculars. And please don’t forget the slight influence the old children’s mural, to be placed in the Multipurpose Room, exerted on the selection.

Shelving and furnishings will shift the perception of the color display.

Kenneth Warren
Director
Lakewood Public Library

I like the bright colors - it brings a nice touch of whimsy!

That's funny you bring up Copenhagen, Ken - I was watching a show on the Travel Channel this morning about Copenhagen...I noticed the bright colors of the city and instantly thought of the Library!

This is gorgeous.

Actually in the existing building the colors are one of the things that I like best. It isn't boring white or beige - they are vibrant and bring life to the space. Remember also Ivor that you are seeing vacant rooms. Once you have shelves and books in there - the colors will not have the same effect.

The other thing I love is the lights - whoever is selecting the lights is really good.

I can't wait to see the grand staircase. I have a feeling that will tie the two buildings together beautifully.

One of the things I love about the library is the front steps and its welcoming feeling - despite its graduer. To me, having the leaf community set up on the front steps is perfect. It screams Lakewood to me. We have these amazing architectural structures and homes. Yet we are practical down to earth and care about the environment, arts and people. The juxtaposition of the farmers selling their food, muscians performing and art being displayed in front of this magnificent structure is perfect.

While I love this library and think it is absolutely great, there are some other spectacular libraries in Cuyahoga County and we are truly blessed to be surounded by such a wealth of information that we can all share.

The Cleveland Downtown library is wonderful too and has two very different parts a modern one and an old one. If you have never gone there you owe it to yourself to make a visit. Both sections are beautiful and they have an amazing art history collection. It rivals pretty much any art history collection I have ever seen. And you can return the books to the Lakewood Library.

Also the Fairview Park library has a beautiful mural by our very own Mrs. Fannin - in the Children's section, she used to teach art at the HS. It has a very nice geneology section.

Lynn Farris wrote: The Cleveland Downtown library is wonderful too and has two very different parts a modern one and an old one. If you have never gone there you owe it to yourself to make a visit. Both sections are beautiful and they have an amazing art history collection. It rivals pretty much any art history collection I have ever seen. And you can return the books to the Lakewood Library.

Absolutely agree. The Reading Garden between the two buildings is probably one of my favorite spots in Cleveland.

Kenneth Warren wrote:Robert A.M. Stern Architects proposed the colors and the Board of Trustees selected the boldest and brightest scheme proposed.

Given the gray weather of Cleveland, the color selection was intended to brighten, enliven and warm the interior.

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Wow that really is something to see.

The LPL was already a bullet point on the why to move to Lakewood flyers. I am pretty sure that bullet point now deserves bold type.