Through the park there is a clear path,
that neither tree nor bush blocks, leading to the great oak doors that contain
its knowledge. It is a small building for a college library. White stone and
orange brick compose the exterior. Victorian windows shoot up like the building’s
several peaks. The tower containing the spiral staircase looks down at the
black slanted roof. From just a glace it is clear that the building emulates a
western style, something not expected from such a long established university
in this country. The creators of the building made the library to spread
westernization, and were successful as their building stands as a landmark of
the success that comes from following western influence. Great innovators came
out of this building but at what cost? Looking at the building not a drop of
the original culture is painted in the architectural style. The creators saw
the beginning of a new age and pushed forward, educating in the way of the new
world power. Long had the country resisted, but now it was time for the educated
class to have a rapid remodeling of their ways of thinking, and become more
active in the ever-changing global world. Soon enough the classical ways of
thinking would be backwards, but as train of innovation departed from the
station of tradition, left behind was history and culture. To the creators of
the library this departure was not worthy of a glace back, but to remember
where one came from is always essential. With enough force the oak doors opened.
Through the doors is a round wood
reception desk. Hanging above from a dark wood ceiling is an elaborate
chandelier glistening like hundreds of stars. Like the ceiling the floors and
walls are made of wood. Smooth stone support pillars line the walls between
each window. The floor wood moans as it adjusts to a new weight, but this is of
no disturbance being a common noise for frequent visitors. The only movement is
the receptionist, who looks up, nods, and returns to her book. The first floor
is separated into two sections. In the back are rows of books, and in the front
are couches and armchairs with coffee tables for those students who seek a
place to quietly explore the pages of a novel or newspaper. Traveling to the
right there is a spiral staircase climbing up the tower to the second floor,
which is a large open room with rows of tables and chairs. The large windows
let in beams of sunlight giving little reason for the overhead lights. The atmosphere
is studious with students bending over their books and papers. The only sounds
are those of typing, pages rustling, and an occasional huff. Watching the students
labor over their work makes one wonder how many truly enjoy their studies. Does
the girl with the economics textbook enjoy the corporate world or does the boy
with the biology lab report like animals? Were their academic interest their
own, or were they pushed into them? Is going to class or taking the cram school
courses a pleasure or chore? For these students in the library it will take
time for them to realize what their true interests are, but when they do it
must be their own choice as it is important for them to seek their own
happiness.
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