SEE IT: Local library named among most beautiful in U.S.

· Cleveland, Ohio Local News · By ReportWire

[WATCH: In the video player above, reasons why Cleveland rocks!]

CLEVELAND (WJW) — A travel guide company has named a local library among the most beautiful in the country.

Fodor’s Travel ranked the Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, located on Superior Avenue, as the third most beautiful.

  • ** ADVANCE FOR MONDAY APRIL 10 **Patrons make their way through the classical architecture of the lobby of the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Branch, in downtown Cleveland, Friday, April 1, 2005.If lawmakers approve Gov. Bob Taft’s proposed state budget that cuts $22 million to public libraries, critics say library patrons may find locked doors, outdated materials and smaller staffs. (AP Photo/Jamie-Andrea Yanak)
  • Library patrons walk down a staircase at the Cleveland Public Library Wednesday, May, 4, 2005 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
  • ** ADVANCE FOR MONDAY APRIL 10 ** A worker puts away returned books, at the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Branch, in downtown Cleveland, Friday, April 1, 2005. If lawmakers approve Gov. Bob Taft’s proposed state budget that cuts $22 million to public libraries, critics say library patrons may find locked doors, outdated materials and smaller staffs..(AP Photo/Jamie-Andrea Yanak)

Here’s what the report said about the historic building:

The historic Main Library Building of the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Branch was built in 1925 in a beautiful and sophisticated Beaux-Arts, neoclassical style. Inside, visitors can admire Renaissance-style design elements, such as Italian marble, vaulted ceilings adorned with ethereal paintings of mythological and historical figures, grand staircases carved from Botticino marble, and elaborately decorated passageways that seem to invite visitors to wander and explore to their heart’s content. Outside, spend time soaking up the sunshine in the Eastman Reading Garden—a courtyard featuring public artworks, including an area by artist Maya Lin with a gently flowing pool of water surrounded by granite blocks carved with an abstract language poem, which is meant to inspire holding space for thoughtful reflection. Additionally, as a lesser-known fact, this library was the first large public library to allow patrons to select their own books directly from the shelves.

Forod’s named the Boston Public Library as the country’s most beautiful.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library.

CLICK HERE to check out the complete list and see which each branch has to offer.

Danielle Langenfeld

Source link