The Barbican Library

            The first place we toured for the British Studies program was the Barbican Library. The library is located on the second floor of the Barbican Center within the City of London. The center is a multi-functional cultural arts center, that has multiple facilities including its own theatres, cafes, art exhibition space, housing, and other various shops. The buildings are an excellent example of modern “Brutalist” architecture, They were designed by Chamberlin, Powell & Bon during the 1950’s. Approval for them was given in 1959, and the construction began in 1963. However, it wasn't completed until 12 years later in 1975. As for the library, it wasn't until later that it opened its doors in 1982 as a public library to the City of London. Its services are available to anyone to join if they work, study or live in the City of London. 

                                    

                     It was a really impressive sight walking through the city to the Barbican. The buildings within the center are massive and made almost entirely of concrete, that has a hammered finish. It really resembles a modern  day fortress. Despite its brutal outer shell, the space is includes beautiful gardens that nicely contrast the architecture. There are hanging flowers from the balconies of residential buildings, a courtyard garden with a river, waterfall, and scattered gardens throughout the center. 

                                Our tour began at the entrance of the library, and an overview of the history of the center and the library was given. The entrance had exhibition space for artists to display and sell their work. There was a central desk at the front of the library that combined the information desk, issues, check out, and more. There was even one self-service checkout machine available for patrons. The librarian then discussed the media room, and how their prices are lower than Amazon rentals, thus they have a competing edge. They even make an effort to keep up with new releases, which most of the time streaming devices lack.

                                    Next, we toured the Music Library, which was quite impressive. It is actually the second largest music library in London. The first thing you see walking up to it is the large exhibition space that was filled with photographs of popular musicians of all genres. Next to this was the CD and DVD section, which had a large variety of genres. Then there was a doorway that led to a larger room filled with musical scores, books, journals and more. Its estimated there are about 16,000 music scores and there are even pianos available for patrons to practice on.

The music library. 

Shelves with music scores.

                                  The last area on the tour was the children's and teen library. Surprisingly they were grouped together servicing ages 1-14 years old. The children's section and play area near the front, and the teens area is along the back window. It was unusual that it was organized this way because they consider themselves a public library, but I do not have the demographics on the area so there maybe a reason behind this. This was a similar case for the young adult section. There was only one and a half book shelves dedicated to young adult literature. 

                                               

Teens section at the back of the children's library. 

                                               

Overall, the tour of the Barbican Library was pleasant and an excellent learning experience. I think that since it is located within a multi-cultural arts center it is a great library that caters to its patrons needs. It only slightly falls short as a public library, since it lacks appropriate space and content for teens and young adults by combining them with children.

Sources:
https://www.barbican.org.uk/your-visit/during-your-visit/library