A

How cool can libraries be in an era(ʱ´ú)of iPods and Kindles? More than you think. Only if you know where to go.

²Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States

The Central Library in Seattle is modern and fashionable and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours. It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus. Tours began in 2006, two years after its opening. The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events, while visitors can stop by the Chocolate cart for a coffee and scan through the gift shop anytime.

²Trinity College Library: Dublin, Ireland

The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. It is the largest single library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. The Long Room houses one of the oldest harps(ÊúÇÙ)in Ireland. Dating to the 15th century, the old harp is the model for the symbol foreland.

²Geisel Library, University of California: San Diego, United States

At first glance it looks like a spaceship. Architect William Pereira, who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston, Texas, designed the library in 1970. It has been featured in sci-fi films, short stories and novels. The library hosts “Dinner in the Library”, which invites readers for cocktails, and also a special speech from distinguished authors.

²TU Delft Library: The Netherlands

The library at the Delft University of Technology was constructed in 1997 and has more than 862,000 books, 16,000 magazine subscriptions and its own museum. The building itself exists beneath the ground, so you can’t really see the actual Library. What makes it interesting is the roof, which is a grassy hill. The roof covers 5,500 square meters. And it has become one of the most striking and greenest structures in the area.

1. What can you do in Central Library?

A. You can buy souvenirs.                                            B. You can drink cocktails.

C. You can enjoy sci-fi films.                                        D. You can see the old harp.

2. What makes Geisel Library different from the others?

A. Queen Elizabeth I founded the library.

B. It has a reoffer grassy hill.

CFamous writers often deliver speeches there.

D. It is the largest single library in the world.

3. Which of the four libraries has the longest history?

A. Central Library.                                                       B. Trinity College Library.

C. Geisel Library.                                                         D. TU Delft Library.