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How cool can libraries be in an era of Internet? Only if you know where to go.
Central Library
The Central Library in Seattle, United States is modern. The building is an impressive work of art, which has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours.
The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events throughout the year.
Open: Monday-Thursday 10 a.m-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m-6 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m.
Trinity College Library
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I.
The library possesses the largest single reading room in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library’s oldest books.
Various exhibitions and tours are available; admission 9 (US 12)
Open: Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m-5 p.m., Tuesday 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sunday closed.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is the revival (复兴) of the ancient Royal Library of Alexandria, which was the largest library in the Greek world. It was built by Alexander the Great 2,300 years ago. The new library was reborn in 2002 after 10 years of designing, planning and construction.
Along with the standard libraries, there are four museums covering science, Arabic Calligraphy, the history of printing and the Greek art.
Open: Saturday-Thursday 9 a.m-4 p.m.
Stuttgart City Library
The Stuttgart City Library is controversial. Some say it’s creative, while others say it doesn’t match its environment.
The design of the building was influenced by the ancient Pantheon in Rome. It serves as a meeting space that draws natural sunlight through the roof.
Open: Monday-Saturday 9 a.m-9 p.m.
1. Which of the following libraries are open on Friday?
A. Stuttgart City Library and Central Library.
B. Central Library and Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
C. Trinity College Library and Stuttgart City Library.
D. Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Trinity College Library.
2. Suppose you are visiting Trinity College Library, you can enjoy ________.
A. free exhibitions B. the oldest Greek art
C. reading in the Long Room D. reading the world’s oldest books
3. What is special about the Bibliotheca Alexandrina?
A. It took 10 years to rebuild it. B. It is the largest library in the world.
C. It has four museums covering all sorts of art.
D. It used to be an ancient royal British library.
