Book Lovers Day in Book Paradise
Every day is book lovers day really but today it’s a day to celebrate it in style – to really appreciate what books mean and what they give you.
I realised this more than ever last weekend when I was went on a guided tour of the amazing Lit and Phil library in Newcastle. If this place is not on your radar it should be. It’s a very special place, with more history than you can shake a stick at, and more books than..well you get the idea.
The wonders of the Lit and Phil (c) TheBookTrail
History first
It’s been on the literary map for quite some time – formed on February 7th 1793, it was set up so men could discuss issues of literature and philosophy. Religion and politics were not allowed. Neither were women really as they had to be proposed and then voted on so it was a bit of a bother….The first official female member isn’t listed until 1801.
And…. there’s always one isn’t there? the first complaint they had about the books inside, was regarding a book about Christianity and one entitled “Cudworth’s Intellectual system” Ironic when you think about that last title.
Space was a problem even then…
They started meeting in a dispensary where they had one bookcase in the hall, then they moved into a church and then in 1821, into the Lit and Phil building as it is today.
And just look at it now!
As you trail your finger along the spines..look out for those wearing little bandages…yes they really are bandages. These books have been damaged in some way and are waiting to be repaired.
Book Hospital (c) TheBookTrail
A book hospital if you like! There appears to be a long waiting list but then there are books going back years, documenting history and heritage so just think how vital each one of these injured tomes is!
A good library always has a few nooks and crannies and this is no different. A hidden chair ready to receive a reader, a browser who’s just discovered a tasty read and can’t wait to sit down and tuck in…
Take a moment to appreciate this book haven (c) The BookTrail
The staircase which is spiral with holes in the stairs so you can see even more books as you swirl around on to another level of literary joy. The downward journey I can only describe as akin feeling like Alice as she falls and swirls down that rabbit hole. And as well as nooks and crannies full of books to discover, there are some very Alice and Wonderland things too…in the form of something to drink (coffee and tea on the reading table) and a lamp to guide the way (really a miners lamp which George Stephenson improved the safety of , which takes pride of place in the middle of the library) and a selection of doors to walk through.
The Alice in Wonderland staircase! (c) TheBookTrail
Through one of them…..more books….the overspill section and maps. Oh yes, lots of maps…..
Maps maps maps (c) The BookTrail
And these delightful draws (a “vintage” filing system). Now all books are logged digitally but as the guide said, there are little messages and bits of history on those cards that you really can’t modernise.
Open the drawers to the past… (c) The BookTrail
There was one door in particular which led here – the The Ladies Room – a lounge area leading off to (modern) toilets. This was a room where women could escape the men’s talks, the stale smoke and have a little literary chat of their own. I will have to come back here wearing my crimpolene gown and lace gloves.
The Ladies room!! (c) TheBookTrail
Ready to leave a few hours after first arriving, and taking one last breath in, that breath of bookish goodness and inspiration to last until my next visit, it was then, dear reader, my eyes landed on this delight….
Ahh look! Stampers! (c) TheBookTrail
I could have cried. I blew them a kiss as I left. Blew a kiss to all the books, especially the injured ones, and danced down the stairs of the great building with a spring in my step and a smile of a Cheshire cat.
A literary haven right in the middle of the city. So many nooks and crannies to explore. A step into another world and a sensation of tumbling down into a book warren.
Curiouser and curiouser
For more wonderland delights – visit litandphil.org.uk West Road Newcastle – right by central station and the buses. Handy AND a haven away from the bustle of Newcastle. What more could you ask for?
