“Think before you speak. Read before you think.”

Fran Lebowitz (born October 27, 1950) is an American author and speaker.

This is the State Library of New South Wales. I used to research and study here in the late 1960s!!!

I couldn’t help but notice in this image that I couldn’t see any “proper” books on the tables.

[Babs]

I just love visiting the State Library, isn't it a fabulous building. fav

Isn't it interesting that there are no books on the tables.

This is a photo I took a few years ago.

https://365project.org/onewing/365/2018-11-15

I wonder why things have changed.

[Peter Dulis]

lovely capture

[Hazel]

Great composition and leading lines!

[winghong_ho]

It is a grand hall. Lovely capture.

[John Falconer]

@onewing
Thanks Babs. The door to the balcony is still padlocked! The catalogue cases have been moved to the left. But there aren't very many books on the table.

[John Falconer]

@pdulis @quietpurplehaze @wh2021
Thanks for the much appreciated comments.

[Corinne C]

Wonderful perspective. All books are being replaced by computers. I think it is not the same experience reading from a book compared to reading from a computer, at least for me.

[John Falconer]

@corinnec
Thanks Corinne. Personally I love computers for research etc. But I do love reading books. I’ve tried Kindle etc but it’s just not the same.

[Mags]

Marvelous b&w! A well chosen perspective.

[Susan Wakely]

So much space unlike other libraries that I have seen.

[John Falconer]

@marlboromaam @wakelys
Thanks. This is the main reading room and as far as I can remember it has always had plenty of space for the tables. When I studied there in the 60s I had trouble finding a seat!!

[Diana]

Fabulous capture and symmetry. Such a pity re the missing books ;-)

[Cordiander]

What a great library! Time have changed. But not always in a good way.

[Dave]

Nicely done!

[Christine Sztukowski]

I love how you photographed this room

[John Falconer]

@darchibald @cordulaamann @ludwigsdiana
Thanks for commenting. We were there to see the Australian Press Photography Award finalists. Awesome.

[KV]

Awesome POV… beautiful library and looks to be pretty busy.

[John Falconer]

@kvphoto
Thanks. For a late Sunday afternoon I agree that it looks busy.

[Merrelyn]

Nicely composed and a great subject for b&w.

[Harry J Benson]

You gave it a timeless fell, nicely done

[Beverley]

Great shot and observation and yes it’s makes you think!
I guess the reason is ‘ addiction’ to our iPhones, iPads and the likes… I encourage reading books and having no wifi days - weeks
I’m a huge reader crazy to say I love the smell of books…

[mittens (Marilyn)]

This is so interesting looking.

[Bucktree]

Fabulous image. Love the appeal of this interior shot.

[Valerie Chesney]

Wonderful capture showing so much of this vast room.

[Oli Lindenskov]

Nice pic😊

[Monica]

Fabulous library

[Casablanca]

What a treasure trove of knowledge in there. I like the symmetry and fabulous dizzying floor but oh oh oh.....get the proper books out, guys!!

[KoalaGardens🐨]

oh wow all those lines!

[Olwynne]

That's a very well lit area. It looks absolutely fit for purpose. I don't see any computers though. I love reading and thought I could never give up actual books (I don't enjoy reading off a screen) but once I had a kindle the books were just a memory

[Renee Salamon]

Fabulous perspective

[Fisher Family]

A lovely shot of this impressive reading room! I suppose for research it is so much simpler using the internet these days, though I still like to hold and read a real book.

Ian

[Margaret Brown]

Lovely capture

[Dianne]

As a teacher of young children, I am all for books!

[Dawn]

A nice perspective

[haskar]

Libraries have become digitized and you can read most books on your computer. Now the library is a place where you can work in silence. Beautiful capture and grat architecture.

[Kate]

At least the shelves are full of books...nicely captured in B&W

[Jeremy Cross]

Great shot in mono

[Phil Howcroft]

great shot John , faved

[Ann H. LeFevre]

I think I may see one or two books, but the current generation prefers using their phone for everything! I do love a book in hand but if you grow up with everything being accessible on your phone, you don't miss a book and you don't know any better. Great shot and it was fun to see Babs' version too @onewing. fav

[Judith Johnson]

Terrific mono shot. Oh yes, I see lots of technology. How quickly things change

[LManning (Laura)]

A stunning space, wonderfully presented.

[Pat]

Fantastic shot!

[KWind]

Looks great in B&W! A fabulous space!

[Islandgirl]

Great pov and lines!

[Daisy Miller]

Great composition

[Paula Fontanini]

FABULOUS composition of this impressive library! Perfection!

[Kathy A]

The State Library is a very impressive building. I took a similar shot a few months ago and yes, not a book in sight on the tables.

[Bill]

The leading lines in this shot really work.

[John Falconer]

@merrelyn @hjbenson @beverley365 @mittens @dkellogg @happysnaps @mubbur @monicac @casablanca @koalagardens @rensala @fishers @craftymeg @dide @Dawn @haskar @k9photo @jeremyccc @phil_howcroft @olivetreeann @busylady @ljmanning @pattyblue @kwind @radiogirl @daisymiller @bluemoon @kjarn @cwbill
Thanks for the much appreciated comments. It’s a beautiful building and well worth a visit.

[John Falconer]

@ollyfran
Thanks for commenting. You’re right in that the library doesn’t have “public” computers. But just about everyone there has a laptop or notebook like an iPad.

[Rick]

Interesting library. Almost looks like a lunch room. Cool capture.

[Kathy]

A thoughtful observation. It makes me wonder why bother going to the library. Perhaps there are websites available within the confines of the library's area and unavailable without a sizable cash payment for a subscription.

[eDorre]

Great image!

[Christina]

Lovely image - a nice space for people to go and concentrate without distractions.

[Boxplayer]

Excellent converging lines

[Dorothy]

What a nice library. Great photo and observation. I also enjoyed Babs photo from 2018. Computers are wonderful but books by far are the best for reading.

[Wylie]

great shot of this interior. Libraries have certainly changed. I can't even remember when I last went into one.

[Dione Giorgio]

Fav. Beautiful Library hall. Seems everybody is on his/her tablet or laptop instead of reading a book. As for me I prefer a book to read from.

[CC Folk]

A beautiful capture.

[FBailey]

What a photo opportunity - love the mono

[John Falconer]

@rickster549 @randystreat @edorreandresen @christinav @boxplayer @illinilass @pusspup @sangwann @gardenfolk @fbailey
Thanks. They processing only go there for piece and quiet and the free internet.

[Laura]

Love the P.O.V.

[Jan Talmon]

Nice capture

[John Falconer]

@talmon @la_photographic
Thanks very much.