This is the extraordinary private library of Jay Walker, founder of Walker Digital. Wired Magazine was invited for an exclusive look at this 3,600 square foot, three-level, bibliograpic assault on the senses. The collection features books and objects that call to mind the great scientific and technical discoveries in human history. Globes, telescopes, dinosaur skeletons, even a Sputnik satellite, sit beside groundbreaking books, both old and new, on anatomy, astronomy, geography, and other scientific and technical fields
The library's stated purpose is to stir the imagination and stimulate technological innovation in its owner and his associates. Indeed it does seem like a library built for effect rather than for use. The upper shelves are stocked with modern decorative leather-bound books, with a great many turned sideways to show their covers. Great attention has been paid to lighting, and the library even has its own soundtrack. The glass panels enclosing the central platform and stairways are all etched with scientific and historical icons like the double-helix or the Parthenon (or possibly the NYSE). It is mesmerizing, whimsical, a playground of human discovery, and yet something seems to be missing. It's not entirely real. It's also a shame that only a select few get to enjoy it. Imagine if Mr. Walker put his millions (billions?) into building public libraries with the same kind of verve and life in them? How many young people might be inspired to follow in the footsteps of great scientists and inventors if they could spend time in this sort of environment on a regular basis? Perhaps he needs to add a biography of Andrew Carnegie to his collection.
via Book Patrol
