Now I have many Denim songs in my head, which sound-tracked much of my journey, since Lawrence is a Birmingham 'escapee'.
Visited Birmingham, and its Frankfurt Christmas market. This gigantic polar bear with Santa hat on was a hot drinks stall! Looks more sinister here than cosy and cute as it did on the night. Belgian hot chocolate abound. Myriad mulled wine too. Many sparkly, pretty lights and fancy, glittering items all about the market. Indulged in Bailey's hazelnut fudge, a vegan burger, and also bought a jasmine candle, but could have bought so many trinkets, had I come with spending money for gifts and things! All really lovely and warming for winter. Welcomed the opportunity to explore the new central library in Birmingham. It was as grand as expected from previously seen photos and reports. Largest public library I have ever experienced. Futuristic as it was, I still marvelled at the mezzanine - ladders and books on balconies always get my vote! Looks like the library respected its huge archive and kept many old volumes, which was gladdening. Spectacular views from atop the library. This was not even from the summit! Gardens and benches and all sorts lay on the various levels, open air. It must be a haven of pure adventure for kids - you'd be so overwhelmed by the size of the place, and all it contains. I did stop to think how that sense of overwhelming could be for the elderly, though - I mean, super libraries might seem super fantastic, but how on earth would an elderly person face coping with all those levels, cylindrical plunging glass lifts, and navigating the sheer scale of the place? Councils need to be more responsible with their thinking here. I would hope that small, local, branch libraries will always survive in order to serve this important section of the community, though. There were some impressive art displays all around Birmingham central library. I had to feed the zine kid in me, with pictures of this paper construct typewriter!!! This typewriter was made by artist Jennifer Collier. It is made from old typewriter manuals and encyclopaedia. I disagree with what is said on the Brum library site about typewriters being 'extinct technology', but this artefact is incredibly wonderful either way.
Now I have many Denim songs in my head, which sound-tracked much of my journey, since Lawrence is a Birmingham 'escapee'.
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AthemauraEnthusiastic about 'zines, libraries, gardening in the city, independent book shops/record shops/cafes, vegetarian and vegan, London in all its variety, local living/community. Archives
November 2014
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