More Library Doors (Thursday Doors)

doors modified by the word “only”
some unreadable, completely closed–
others hinting at what lies behind them–
collections of books, hidden files,
food for thought, more hallways and rooms–
signs encouraging speculation,
an urge to answer the invitation
to inquire about opening the door

This door to The Carl H. Pforzheimer Collection of Shelley and His Circle not only had me peering inside, but attracted the attention of almost everyone who walked by. Though it was locked, the inside was very intriguing.

I found the above photo on the library website. That’s quite a collection of books! The Collection contains works of poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and his contemporaries plus “collateral materials supporting study of the period” with a particular emphasis on women’s lives. The original donation by the Pforzheimer family continues to be added to by the library today.

You can make an appointment to visit the room, but many of the pieces in the collection are archived online, here.

Other doors along the hallways were closed and locked, some marked “Staff Only”. Most had no way to look inside.

These metal doors were clearly a later addition to the building. And you could see what was behind them.

I wonder what’s behind those doors at the end of the hall.

My poem is a quadrille using the word “hint” for Mish’s prompt at dVerse.

And you never know what doors will greet you at Thursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion.