Exploring the world’s enchanting libraries is a journey I’m thrilled to share, especially those that have captivated me in the Library Jumpers series.
Let’s start with the Boston Athenæum, a place that sparked my lifelong love for libraries during a childhood visit. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this library not only serves as a pivotal setting in THIEF OF LIES—where Gia, alongside her friends Afton and Nick, embarks on her adventures—but it also remains a sanctuary throughout the series, grounding Gia to her roots. The Athenæum is a treasure trove of books and art, rich with history and stunning architecture. Its grand ceilings and expansive windows create an atmosphere of old-world charm and intellectual spirit. Most captivating is the fifth-floor reading room, where tunnel-like staircases ascend to scaffolded balconies encircling the labyrinthine bookcases, making every visit seem like stepping into a scene from Boston’s historic past.
Boston Athenaeum, Location: Boston MA
- The Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), France’s esteemed National Library, holds a special place in the Library Jumpers series. This iconic Parisian library is where Gia and her friends first emerge when they travel through the magical gateway book. The reading room within the BnF is nothing short of majestic, characterized by its vastness and the remarkable circular windows that punctuate its domed skylight ceiling. These architectural features not only flood the space with natural light but also enhance the grandeur and serene ambiance, making it a reader’s paradise. This setting, steeped in a rich tapestry of history and culture, captivates with its blend of classic elegance and awe-inspiring design.
- Duke Humfrey’s Library, part of the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, holds a secret passage in one of its bookcases that leads to the magical wizard haven, Asile, a pivotal locale in the Library Jumpers series. The library exudes an ancient charm, with its dark wood paneling and a coffered ceiling adorned with tiles depicting open books, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each element contributes to a sense of timelessness and wonder, making it not just a repository of books, but a gateway to other worlds.
- The Vatican Apostolic Library in Vatican City, Rome, serves as a strategic hideaway in the Library Jumpers series, where Arik and Gia make a swift stop during their library-hop to elude any pursuers. This library is a masterpiece of art and architecture, adorned with breathtaking murals that sweep across the walls, columns, and ceilings. The vivid murals and intricate designs create an immersive environment that is as visually stunning as it is historically significant. This magnificent backdrop not only enhances the thrill of their chase but also encapsulates the grandeur and sanctity of one of the world’s most revered libraries.
Source (Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Library)
- The Vatican Apostolic Library, nestled within the heart of Vatican City in Rome, Italy, plays a crucial role in the Library Jumpers series as a clandestine spot where Arik and Gia briefly take refuge. They use this iconic library as a pit stop during their library-hop to avoid pursuers. Renowned for its divine beauty, the library is lavishly decorated with expansive murals that adorn not only the walls but also the columns and the vaulted ceilings, creating a breathtaking tapestry of art. Each mural tells a story, rich in religious and historical symbolism, capturing centuries of ecclesiastical heritage.
Source (Link: http://fillthewell.com/here-are-22-of-the-most-beautiful-libraries-in-the-world/)
- The Mafra National Palace Library in Portugal provides the dramatic backdrop for the climax of the first book in the series, THIEF OF LIES. This stunning library is not only a treasure trove of literary riches but also a magnificent venue with its expansive, ornately decorated halls. The library’s vast, airy rooms, adorned with intricate woodwork and baroque architectural details, create a sense of grandeur that amplifies the suspense and drama of the scene. The high ceilings and classical columns enhance its majestic atmosphere, making it a picturesque yet potent setting for the characters to engage in their most critical confrontation.
Source (Link: http://www.all-about-portugal.com/mafra-national-palace/)
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into some of the enchanting libraries featured in the Library Jumpers series. Gia and her friends journey through numerous other spectacular libraries as their adventures unfold across the series. Each library they visit is not just a backdrop but a vibrant character in its own right, rich in history and brimming with architectural beauty. I’m eager to share more of these magnificent places with you throughout all three books, showcasing each library’s unique charm and secrets.