Last Sunday, Kandy Shepherd and I walked from Times Square to Bryant Park to enjoy the Public Library. From its website (link),
The origins of this remarkable institution date back to the time when New York was emerging as one of the world's most important cities. By the second half of the 19th century, New York had already surpassed Paris in population and was quickly catching up with London, then the world's most populous city. Fortunately, this burgeoning and somewhat brash metropolis counted among its citizens men who foresaw that if New York was indeed to become one of the world's great centers of urban culture, it must also have a great library.
Prominent among them was one-time governor Samuel J. Tilden (1814-1886), who upon his death bequeathed the bulk of his fortune — about $2.4 million — to "establish and maintain a free library and reading room in the city of New York."
Unfortunately, the library was closed ... so we strolled around the grounds.
The building is a work of art ...
... of marble and bronze.
The library shares the city block with Bryant Park. From its website (link),
In 1884, Reservoir Square was renamed Bryant Park, to honor recently deceased Romantic poet, longtime editor of the New York Evening Post, and civic reformer, William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878). Around this time, the city approved designs for the New York Public Library, submitted by architects John Merven Carrére and Thomas Hastings. The Beaux-Arts building was completed in 1911, with a raised terrace at the rear of the library and two comfort stations at the east end of Bryant Park.
The park offered floral beauty absent in Times Square.
The ivy encased cafe adds a special touch to the park.
We discovered the Shakespeare in the Park. Again from its website (link),
Irreverent and critically acclaimed The Drilling Company presents three plays by William Shakespeare for the park's 2nd annual series of theater under the stars.
Notice the white sign for Capulet Industries ... so it must be a modern setting for Romeo and Juliet.
Here is Romeo during his soliloquy after meeting Juliet at the party.
He brought the action to the audience. What is your favorite Shakespeare production? One randomly selected commenter from my RWA blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Saturday, August 8, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 9.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
The library is so beautiful! I'd love to visit it one day! Favorite Shakespeare production is Romeo & Juliet and the movie 10 Things I Hate About You (the pop culture movie production of The Taming of the Shrew)
ReplyDeletenot a Shakespeare fan
ReplyDeleteprobably Hamlet for the dramas, but the comedies can be a lot of fun, like 'The Taming of the Shrew' (tho the musical version 'Kiss Me Kate' is even more fun)
ReplyDeleteMy favorites include Twelfth Night and Macbeth.
ReplyDeleteOh, Twelfth Night, for sure...and your beautiful photos are making me miss NYC!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Romeo and Juliet :)
ReplyDeleteKim, I so enjoyed that day! It was such a shame the library wasn't open as I've never been there. The Romeo and Juliet performance did compensate though! I studied drama at university and we performed As You Like It. It's always remained a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the comedies.
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures - just beautiful. No favorites.
ReplyDeleteRomeo and Juliet
ReplyDeleteKimh
Romeo sure looks like a young Matthew Broderick in your photos (and my 4 boxes of books arrived from RWA, so I'm not entering the giveaway - but I had to say I liked your photos).
ReplyDeleteI am not that big of a fan, but I will say Romeo and Juliet.
ReplyDelete