At first glance, Malvern Library’s northern flank reminded me of a metal ice-cube tray turned on its side to drain. The silver columns of the portico and triangle above the entrance conveyed a formal geometrical impression, which made the warmth and organic spaciousness of the interior all the more appealing. It felt like stepping into a scholarly chalet!
To support the chalet’s ceiling, long planks fanned out from stone pillars, combining strength with artistic flair. Tilting my head to study the structure, I pictured it as the skeleton of an upended ark-in-progress. However, I lowered my chin and walked forward when I realized my stationary reverie was impeding browsers.
Below the ark, a fleet of windows summoned sunlight that nourished patrons and potted palms alike. I also loved the flowing patterns of light that draped the interior.
As I wove between the aisles, I saw shelves of books in Urdu, Tamil, Hindi, Tagalog, Punjabi, Gujurati, and Chinese. I also noticed a three-dimensional castle puzzle on top of a bookshelf in the children’s section.
Near the castle puzzle was a much larger one that welcomed youngsters on noble quests to repel boredom. Portals were provided for these studious knights and ladies to crawl through and discover reading perches to commandeer. Indeed, relaxing with a book in a turret is ideal for recharging before the next joust or feast.
Imaginative perching options also abounded beyond the castle. Malvern patrons of all ages could loll on window seats or curl up in a black cat armchair, complete with pointed ears and green eyes.
Malvern Library, your charming facility was so much fun to experience as I walked through all its sections! Thank you for cultivating a playful habitat where diversity, education, and imagination thrive.
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