Look Up. Look Down.
Observe, read, and think.
Last Friday, I took a stroll along Library Walk, East 41st Street in New York City. I had heard about it but never took the time to walk over the Library Walk. The street ascends from the divided Park Avenue and its tunnel in front of Grand Central Station to stop directly in front of the New York City Public Library on 5th Avenue. I looked up the two-block incline and saw the majestic sight of the main building of the New York City Public Library so grandly guarded by the lions named Patience and Fortitude.
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Our current condition as a nation needs fortitude and patience. We also need words to cause us to think, understand, and reflect as individuals and a nation. The quotes are from 45 writers; there are only 44 different designed plaques on each side of East 41st Street embedded into the sidewalk. I saw only one other person stopping to read and take pictures of some of the plaques.
Often in NYC, I look up because the tops of buildings differ much more than anyone would know who did not look up. The variety of architecture speaks to historic times, cultural values, and budgets. The plaques also speak to these elements. New York City-based sculptor Greg LeFevre created these plaques in the 1990s. The words of the authors portrayed on these plaques challenge us to think upward and to consider what runs beneath us. An entire set of college courses could be designed based on themes on each side of 41st Street.
Library Way presented a worthwhile walk to conclude my last day in the city because it reminded me of the power of affirmation for messages in words. The messages come from different centuries and countries, but the themes are universal. The writers have experienced challenging times and experiences. We need to read, study, and reflect on more of their works. The messages shout key values in the silent exhibition of words and author names. Enjoy the following few examples from the Library Walk and enjoy the sight and walk yourself the next time you visit Midtown Manhattan.
