One place I have been spending a fair amount of time recently is the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek, just opposite Hallesches Tor U-Bahn station. It is a large library with a high ceiling and a huge window by the work areas. It is thus lovely and light, and there is a nice view out onto a little garden, which is good refreshment for the eyes after an intensive period of study. Although it seems that when the sun reaches a particular point in the sky, a security guards comes around to draw the curtains of certain sections of the window, which can be a little disappointing if you have a pleasant shaft of sunlight warming one cheek. The library attracts all sorts, students studying, young parents with their children and, of course, those doing it a little rough looking to find a warm, comfortable place to spend the day. I really think Berlin's down-and-outers are an untapped resource, considering the hefty tomes I see some of them reading. Due to its size, the slightly off smell radiating from these less frequently washed library regulars dissipates, particularly as you move toward the back. Picking a spot is, however, quite important. I've learnt that those who read the papers are also often the ones that don't shower. The smell can be quite strong and hence distracting, one of the risks of studying in a public place. At home in Sydney, I would have never considered going to a library to work. But it has actually proved a productive work place, the bike ride there is energising and the ride back refreshing and revitalising. Apparently they are planning to build a big public library at Tempelhof Park and to close the Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek. This would be a shame, as it is a great library with historical significance located in a good, central position.
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