I love the word athenaeum. Like so many latin words and phrases it has such gravitas and a sense of importance to it. So while I knew it was basically latin for library, when I looked it up I was hoping for something more... but that was it. It derives from the old Roman name for a school for the arts, but there was none of the more mystical connotation I had hoped for. Guess I have been reading too many Dan Brown books lately. But the two athenaeums I have been to were indeed ancient and magical places that were surely repositories of secrets and treasure far beyond anything to found at your public library, and my visit to the athenaeum in Portsmouth NH did mark the first stop on our recent Maine/Maritime adventure after all. Photographically the record is not complete. Didn't know it would become a posting...for that matter you often don't know till later and then you just have to work with what you have. Sometimes you can go back and fill in the blanks, sometimes you can't. Portsmouth is nice, but don't feel the need to return. But it is on the way to Portland Maine which I loved for so many reasons, and also need to get back to, so to be continued, but you get the idea.
Tom Hardiman, director, talking to Lynn Crocker, member and book binder in the gallery on the first floor.
This is the first floor gallery, but where are the books? Need to get back to finish the job!!!
Pablo
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