July 17: St. Paul's Cathedral Library

Today our class had a very special privilege: a very rare tour of the library at St. Paul's Cathedral.

After meeting our guide, Joe Wisdom (St. Paul's librarian), we were given a choice of an enclosed spiral staircase leading way up to the top of the cathedral or an open one. Being the height-phobe that I am, I opted for enclosed (which pretty much forced everyone else on that path as well). It was fun to climb up this narrow staircase, but it was absolutely breathtaking to see the cathedral from the viewpoint we came to. We led through the media platform (with the view famous from the wedding of Diana and Charles) to a room that housed a model of the design by Christopher Wren that was rejected. Though this was intended to be the original library, it had never been used as one. Mr. Wisdom gave as some very interesting information about the political and religious atmosphere of Wren's day and the attempts to influence Wren's design. We were all struck by the similarity in design to the U. S. Capital building. We then traveled across to the actual library location, with Mr. Wisdom pulling out great brass keys to unlock massive wooden doors at each location.

The library was another scene right out of a movie. It was small and dimly-lit to protect the books. Books lined the walls all the way to the ceiling. Mr. Wisdom gave us more information about the purpose of the library, which is to serve the church and its clergy. We also discussed methods of preservation (no ink pens allowed!). With all the history surrounding this cathedral, it is easy to forget that it is first and foremost a church.

At the end of our tour, Mr. Wisdom again offered the class the option of taking the open or enclosed staircase. I was very glad that no one had to miss out on the experience of descending the grand staircase just because I can't take heights. Mr. Wisdom very kindly accompanied me down the enclosed staircase, while the rest of the student enjoyed the beautiful open one.

I know that this will be one of my most treasured memories because it was such an honor to be given a special tour. One could spend at least a week in London just studying St. Paul's Cathedral!