I, once again, traveled to NYC/Brooklyn a few weeks ago to visit the Fab Raabs and my younger sister. After a few serendipitous moments leading up to the trip, I decided that I’d spend a few days exploring lots of literary spots. I researched book stores and other literary places in NYC and spent two days adventuring around town … libraries, bookstores, etc.. and it was so much fun! I love a theme!
It all started with a metal statue in my new Parisian-inspired front patio that a friend loved and asked what the story was behind it. All I knew was that my friend/landlord’s mom called it “McKenzie with the bird” after one of her granddaughters. My friend did some research and found out it was a replica of the Burnett Fountain that is located in the Conservatory Garden in Central Park. My new home is behind a hedge and many passers-by call it “The Secret Garden.” Well, the Burnett Fountain is a memorial fountain dedicated to Frances Hodgson Burnett, the author of The Secret Garden. My friend/landlord had no idea how deliberate her mom had been when she purchased the statue long ago.
The seond thing that induced me to explore literary NY was that my book club had recently read The Personal Librarian, the story of JP Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Green. It’s a fascinating story and I decided the next time I was in NY I’d revisit the library that I’d been to more than 6 yrs ago. If you haven’t been to the Morgan Library I would recommend … but read The Personal Librarian first to really appreciate the history. They also have small art installation that changes. I was lucky enough to catch a photography exhibit.
Here are pics of the progression of my two literary-themed days.
Whitney Payne mansion.
End of Day One!
On day two of my wandering I had a bit more time and hit a few more places, starting with …
As I continued my journey to go to lunch at what I thought was a library-inspired restaurant, I came across these gems on Park Avenue! I love public art!
I’ve had Mono-Mono on my list of restaurants to try for awhile and in looking at their website, it seemed library-like. It was somewhat, although the “library” was all albums from floor to ceiling. Very cool space and the wings are delish!
…and my last stop of the day was right in time for happy hour at the newly opened Biblioteque, a coffee/wine bar that was very cool! Their website says “It’s a gathering space for the artists, bookworms, and wine lovers of the world.”
You cannot direct the wind, but you can adjust the sails!
Fabulous in every way. I heard of your adventures firsthand, but then seeing them all – even better! I want to see the public art on Park. Loved this post!
Thanks Jo! You should go see them. They’re awesome!
Wow, thank you. That was enjoyable. The Little Prince and the Secret Garden were two of my favorite books as a child. Along with a Tree Grows in Brooklyn and the Outsiders. I added The Personal Librarian to my list on Libby, it will be 26 weeks, but it gives me something to look forward to.
Thanks … I think you’ll enjoy it!
What a fun and beautiful adventure in NY. LOVED it all. Thank you for sharing. XO
Thanks Sue!
She is a beauty. What a wonderful adventure. Well done.
Thanks to your sleuthing!
Inspiring travel log, Jeanine. Thanks for sharing.