Reims' Carnegie Library

Carnegie libraries used to be a big deal in the US, a century ago, and some still are.There is no surer way to enslave people than to deny them information, and Mr. Carnegie had the good sense to fight that good fight. Much of Reims was destroyed in WWI, and Carnegie, as well as other generous Americans, did much to finance the rebuilding of this and other European cities. The Carnegie Bibliotheque in Reims is no mere library, however: it is one of the greatest of Art Deco structures. And something we had to see.

Full frontal

Bust of Mr. C

Building detail

Young stained glass, but as beautiful as any other 

Card catalog room

Staircase

Ceiling in what we think was the main reading room

Windows, same room

Lobby chandelier

Lobby wall mosaic

Another; one of many

Door off the entry porch; note ashcan

Porch ceiling

Flower pot

All right next to the great cathedral's grounds