[Another post from Sam on tour—explanation here.]
48 hours in Montreal and Toronto gave me a chance to visit one of the largest and then one of the smallest branch libraries I know. I’m all for both, but you know where my heart lies. I love small, especially for cities, and I think now is the moment for small, especially as we try to understand what’s next for public space and libraries alike.
Here’s the Grande Bibliothèque in downtown Montreal:
Inside are exhibits, food, a soaring lobby with seating, and a security guard who reminded me that photography is not permitted, even in the outer lobby/atrium. Perhaps this last shot from my Montreal hotel window sums it up best: extra large and somewhat distant:
Now, cut to Toronto, the next day. Here’s the mini-branch of the Toronto Public Library, located inside City Hall: