Difference between revisions of "Grand Library"
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| − | The '''Grand Library of Aatem Nal at Serasarda''', more commonly called the '''Grand Library''', is the single largest library, school, and educational center in the entire Centralized Mountain States of [[Snefaldia]]. | + | The '''Grand Library of Aatem Nal at Serasarda''', more commonly called the '''Grand Library''', is the single largest library, school, and educational center in the entire Centralized Mountain States of [[Snefaldia]]. Located in Serasarda, it was begun in 1255, to serve as the center of the Aatem Nal faith, as well as the main repository of knowledge, artifacts, art, and other culturally significant materials for the entire country. The Library complex also hosts the University of Snefaldia, run by Aatem Nal. |
==Administration== | ==Administration== | ||
Revision as of 17:52, 6 September 2007
The Grand Library of Aatem Nal at Serasarda, more commonly called the Grand Library, is the single largest library, school, and educational center in the entire Centralized Mountain States of Snefaldia. Located in Serasarda, it was begun in 1255, to serve as the center of the Aatem Nal faith, as well as the main repository of knowledge, artifacts, art, and other culturally significant materials for the entire country. The Library complex also hosts the University of Snefaldia, run by Aatem Nal.
Administration
The Grand Library functions like other Aatem Nal institutions, in that it is maintained and administered by the adherents of that order and is headed by a Librarian. However, being the central institution of the faith, the Librarian of the Grand Library has different duties and honors accorded to him. The title of Grand Librarian is reserved for the head of the Grand Library, and is considered the ultimate honor of the Bibliothecan Hierarchy.
A Grand Librarian is chosen by the currently serving Librarian, and designated as the heir. Upon the death, retirement, or removal of the previous Grand Librarian the designee becomes the head of the Library, with all the attendant duties.
Thousands of adherents maintain the various parts of the Library, with the chain of command rising until it reaches the Grand Librarian, and by extension the Tuhran Bel.
The current Grand Librarian is Nan-kudurri-Bel.
Structure
The Library is not solely a library. It is more properly a library, a museum, an art gallery, a repository, an archive, an school, a college, and a church. The Library houses thousands of books, magazines, scrolls, parchments, inscriptions, newspapers, and recently digital media, as well as priceless works of art, statues, photographs, and varying other media. In short, the Grand Library is a repository of almost all kinds of media.
Normal citizens may use the Library for free, but only Aatem Nal adherents and members of the Tuhran Bel (to some degree) have total and unfettered access to the Library. There are secret vaults and hidden repositories that most don't even know exist hidden beneath the library, and some collections are off-limits for a variety of reasons.
Architecture
The Library is considered a triumph of architecture. The Grand Library Complex is the size of a small town, constructed largely out of stone, wood, and newer materials, with an architectural range spanning six centuries. Soaring domes, carved walls, inlaid floors, and sweeping staircases are complemented by stacks upon stacks of books, halls and halls of statues and exhibits, and the occasional Endiri shrine.
In almost constant construction since work began, the Library has been expanding for 700 years, with each Grand Librarian overseeing significant additions to the buildings. Gardens and reading rooms are a constant addition, and in 1665 a small lake was added inside one of the larger courtyards.
Several cafes, restaurants, and shops operate inside the Library, providing refreshments and a chance to relax in the beautiful areas inside the Library. The sounds of Serasarda disappear inside the cavernous stone hallways, and the common person can hear Aatem Nal members hotly debating or performing rituals in alcoves or lounge areas.
Almost all hallways, rooms, and archives are named for an important or contributing person, and some of the most breathtaking rooms of the building are associated with the most important people of Aatem Nal and Snefaldia history.
