booked.

NPR had this story on the radio this morning about the debate raging over the 5th Avenue New York Public Library. Say it ain't so New York.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing during my bathroom routine. Remember this post from a long while back about the old Penn Station and how beautiful it was? This is yet another gorgeous, beautiful NYC institution with so much history. And, yet again, like history repeating itself, the renovation ideas are unfolding so quickly. What is the rush?  Looking forward fifty years, if they don't follow through in a hasty renovation, moving all the books and rushing to respond to e-readers and the latest technology, it will be even more of a hallmark of New York.

I will say, Dr Marx, the new President and CEO of the New York Public Library, has done impressive things while President of Amherst. I only know this because Dad went there and I have heard about it at length. He has been an incredibly progressive voice on issues of diversity, affirmative action, and admissions. So, there should be something said for the fact that he does push change and boundaries when they are necessary. But on this one, I strongly oppose. Leave it alone. Let this one play out. Hopefully, he will go the way of Jackie Kennedy who saved Grand Central and change his mind on sending a million books out to Jersey.

You should read/listen to the story....and then the next time you are in New York, swing into the 5th Avenue Library for old times sake.