Became a member of La Biblioteca Nacional on Monday. Very formal process -- had to leave everything but my passport in a little locked cubby, then speak with the information desk about the different types of membership, then fill out a form with all my information (I was proud that I actually remembered my Spanish address!), get my photo taken and was finally given a card. Sort of like getting a passport. I'm assuming the process was so lengthy because it's the National Library and usually people only come here if they need to research something really important or so.
Once I had my card, I perused the collections on display. They had a cool little room with a tiny book by Petrach, another tiny book with pictures used by the missionaries in South America to educate/convert the natives. There were also two beautiful notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci with sketches of machines and his backwards handwriting!
Next I checked out the computer room -- I was definitely the youngest person. All PCs, to my disappointment. I think the library gives computer classes (mostly for older people) here.
Took a peek at the adjacent hallway and discovered it was filled with card catalogs! I'd never seen all those rows and columns of tiny drawers with the little cards, all arranged alphabetically, but it was so much fun to browse through and see what they have in the library! Obviously the collection is enormous. I just looked in a few of the drawers -- like animals, Granada, medicine -- but I'd have liked to stay longer.
Lastly, went to take a look at the giant, dark-wood-paneled reading room. Needed to request a "pupitre" (desk) in advance, which I definitely didn't want to do, so I just looked in, trying not to be too awkward and trying not to disturb all the intently studying researchers. Anyway, now I'm an international library card holder!
Once I had my card, I perused the collections on display. They had a cool little room with a tiny book by Petrach, another tiny book with pictures used by the missionaries in South America to educate/convert the natives. There were also two beautiful notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci with sketches of machines and his backwards handwriting!
Next I checked out the computer room -- I was definitely the youngest person. All PCs, to my disappointment. I think the library gives computer classes (mostly for older people) here.
Took a peek at the adjacent hallway and discovered it was filled with card catalogs! I'd never seen all those rows and columns of tiny drawers with the little cards, all arranged alphabetically, but it was so much fun to browse through and see what they have in the library! Obviously the collection is enormous. I just looked in a few of the drawers -- like animals, Granada, medicine -- but I'd have liked to stay longer.
Lastly, went to take a look at the giant, dark-wood-paneled reading room. Needed to request a "pupitre" (desk) in advance, which I definitely didn't want to do, so I just looked in, trying not to be too awkward and trying not to disturb all the intently studying researchers. Anyway, now I'm an international library card holder!
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