Philadelphia Rare Book Festival – 12.08.23
The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries Book Reveal
The George Peabody Library
Our inaugural bookscursion took us to the George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland. This historic library was founded in 1857 when Massachusetts-born philanthropist George Peabody dedicated it to the citizens of Baltimore as an expression of his appreciation. The ornate building opened in 1878 and was designed by architect Edmund G. Lind in collaboration with the library’s first provost, Dr. Nathaniel H. Morison. It contains a stunning five-tier stack room with cast-iron balconies rising to a skylight 61 feet overhead. The library’s collection numbers around 300,000 volumes, mainly from the 19th century, with strengths in subjects like religion, British and American history, literature, Romance languages, science, geography, exploration, and travel. I was excited to finally visit this architectural gem in person after admiring photos of it online during the pandemic, when it was closed to the public. While visitors can only access the main level today, the photos did not disappoint – it’s a breathtaking space filled with literary treasures.
Follow the link below to learn more about The George Peabody Library.
George Peabody Library (Mt Vernon Campus) – Sheridan Libraries (jhu.edu)
The curator at the library recommended two other places I should check out during my visit: the Walter Art Museum and the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to see both, but I did make it to the art museum. The exhibits were just as amazing as the Peabody Library.
One of the security guards tipped me off that the Ethiopian Exhibit will be opening on December 6th, so I’m already planning my next trip back. On that visit, I’ll be sure to also see the Pratt Library.
Let me know in the comments if you’ve visited any of Baltimore’s fascinating libraries or museums! I’d love to hear your thoughts and recommendations for my next visit.
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