Consumed by Books

Strand Book Store

I know there are cafes at the library but how about a library at the cafe?   Actually, not exactly a library but the 360 degree library experience...ceiling, walls, floor.  No wait, the books are actually on the walls and so are the people - no wonder I’m confused.  This tiny shop, called D’espresso on Madison Avenue in New York City, was designed by Nema Workshop and drew its inspiration from the nearby New York Public Library.  The books in the shop are actually made from photographs of books that are printed on custom tiles - a little disappointing - but definitely easier to keep clean.
The website says the concept was simple, take the ordinary and turn it on its side.
But if it was so simple, how come no one has ever done it before?
Nema Workshop is a collection of architects and designers in New York City that work together to come up with original ideas that make use of space in unpredictable ways and draw on modern culture.
D’espresso’s website is equally clever and fun...it begins by splashing 19 synonyms for eat and drink onto the screen (including quaff, swill and wolf).  As you move your mouse across the words they ‘fill up’ with coffee (beware - this can be a little addictive).  Reminds me a bit of Will Shortz’s puzzles and word fun.
The feeling of being overwhelmed by books reminds me of another great NYC institution,  Strand Book Store, located at 828 Broadway.  Diving into the ocean of 2.5 million books is glorious, if you have the time to get lost for a while, it is the perfect pastime for a Sunday afternoon when the library is closed.  I think poor Melvil Dewey would be driven to distraction by the happy chaos of books, displays and crowds scattered across three vast floors.
Ben Bass opened the Strand in 1927 on 4th Avenue, which was also know as Publishers Row.  At the time it was only 1 of 48 book shops - but it is the only one that made it to the 21st century.  The store was named after the famous literary street in London that was home to Charles Dickens, William Thackeray and John Stuart Mill.
Ben’s son, Fred, began working for his dad at the age of 13 and is responsible for growing the store to fill the 55,000 square feet of its current location.  In the 1970s George Will, the famous journalists, wrote, “"the eight miles worth saving in this city are at the corner of Broadway and 12th Street. They are the crammed shelves of the Strand Book Store."    
Fred’s daughter, Nancy Bass Wyden, is now co-owner of the store and the mom of twins, William and Ava.  I sure hope they like to read.