Always consider the library as the last island of sanity for the desktop scholar-researcher and one of the most under-utilized resources in our society.
In a world of digital chaos and crowded space, this Cardinal considers the Mechanics' Institute Library (MI Library) as his "island of sanity", a place where one can consciously gather their thoughts and reflect on the long day while researching for a book
It's located @ downtown San Francisco and has everything from an up-to-date and ever-expanding collection of books, periodicals, CDs, videotapes, and DVDs; high-speed wireless internet access; and a very popular series of cultural events. It’s one of my favorite spots to research, write, or just retreat from the noise and chaos of the city. Have used it many times as a backup office and meeting place.
It is a quiet place where one can refocus themselves and hear their own thoughts.
Putting Your Best Book Forward
Why would I pay to go to the Mechanics’ Institute Library when there is a perfectly good public library in town that’s much larger, closer to where I live, and free? That’s a bit like asking why I’d eat at a small, out of the way, expensive French restaurant when there’s a perfectly good mall food court nearby. In other words: you get what you pay for. Whenever I go to the Mechanics’ Institute, I know that I will be walking into a clean, quiet, beautiful setting filled with great books—as well as intelligent and thoughtful people who, like me, care enough about the quality of their library experience to pay for it. Both patrons and staff take books very seriously—much more so, on average, than what I’ve seen in public libraries.
If you are ever in San Francisco and would like a change of scenery. Come to the Mechanics Institude Library and experience an island of intellectual peace and serenity.
Another library that this Cardinal like to visit one day is the NY Public Library.
Have a good day.
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