Last weekend, I had a wonderful time celebrating the reopening of Central Library with the Young Literati of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation! We met at the Dubliner Sunday morning for a book swap and then walked as a group to join hundreds of others for the library’s much-anticipated public reopening.

As we explored the newly renovated building, Sarah from the Young Literati group told us all about what was involved in the $70 million makeover. The glass tile that was once the flooring of the library’s multi-level stacks, for example, now adorns the walls of the grand atrium.  Although the glass has been cleaned, vague traces remain, representing more than 100 years in which the library was utilized by millions of St. Louisans.  I love how the restoration project incorporated part of the library’s rich history into the new and updated city landmark; it provides a unique element that truly embodies the culture of St. Louis.

“Preserving traditions while pushing boundaries” is the idea behind the project which is exemplified in each of the library’s rooms. While it still maintains its original renaissance-style architecture, there is a contemporary atmosphere in the new areas of the building. It’s no secret that the advancement of the digital age over the last decade has threatened the future of public library systems. Regardless, the St. Louis Public Library Foundation chose to embrace the new way our society acquires information. The restored and renewed Central Library now serves as a fully-equipped media center that integrates the latest technology with relevant traditional media.

Central Library made for a perfect location to explore on my first shoot with the HEC-TV Nikon camera. The “preserving traditions while pushing boundaries” theme was easily captured throughout the building. Below are some of my favorites from the shoot.

“The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books”
– Henry W. Longfellow

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Central Library is more than a trendy place to study, blog or catch up on a good novel; it is a “source for unlimited access to education and knowledge.”  The children and teen rooms, specifically, are evidence of the educational impact that is to come for St. Louis’ future generations.

“In here you will find the answers you are looking for”
– Unknown

I was so touched by this mother and her child enjoying the library together; I had to ask if I could capture the special moment.

This morning I attended a meeting about next year’s Maryville Talks Books lectures and we are almost ready to announce the 2013 lineup of authors!  I can’t wait to visit Central Library to check out all of the books that will be featured. 2013 is going to be an exciting year for Maryville Talks Books, and I am looking forward to sharing all of the HEC-TV One on One interviews with these inspirational writers.

The restored and renewed Central Library puts St. Louis on the map as a leader in the advancement of public library systems and education in general. This is a place where I plan to spend spare time enjoying the latest best-seller, discovering new favorite authors and searching for blog inspiration. If you haven’t already done so, I urge you to visit and see for yourself how this institution is “preserving traditions while pushing boundaries.”