The Library of Isra

A towering edifice of stone and elegant arched windows, the Library of Isra is an extraordinary example of what a dedication to the dissemination of knowledge can truly achieve. Located near the heart of the city and accessible to all, regardless of their social status or means, the library stands as a beacon for all those who treasure wisdom. In front of the library, just beside a small flight of stone stairs leading up to the sturdy wooden double-doors is a large sign board that often bears messages from the library itself and the government as a whole. These stairs are flanked by a pair of griffin statues, and the doors are crowned by a large stained glass window taking the shape of Isra’s own golden sun insignia.

Upon opening the doors, one would find themselves greeted with a quaint foyer, and beyond that, a small hallway. At the end of this hallway are two bookcases, and beyond that, the circulation desk, a large circular counter within the heart of the library. This desk is where a library card can be acquired, where materials can be checked out and returned, and where any questions can be posed or assistance requested. Resting on the side of the desk closest to the entrance is a sizeable bronze plaque which details the rules of the library. The rules are as follows:

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-- All are allowed entry into the library, with no discrimination against social status, means, race, or any other quality.
-- All patrons are permitted to read books within the library without being required to check them out.
-- Those wishing to remove materials from the premises must first acquire a library card.
-- Please be courteous to your fellow patrons and maintain quiet at all times.
-- Any damage done to the materials or the premises will incur fines.

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Moving closer to the center of this great room, it would become possible to look up, granting an unimpeded view of several stories of circular floors, each filled with countless bookcases and the books that fill their shelves, their edges safely warded off by sturdy stone and wood railings. These levels are reached by a staircase on the northern and southern side of each story, providing ease of access. Five levels in total lead upward to a graceful domed ceiling painted with a pleasant scene of clouds and sky, enchanted to reflect the current weather within the city, and scattered with skylights that allow natural sunlight to stream into the building. This light is augmented by many chandeliers and sconces bearing golden crystals, which glow with a pleasant light and sufficiently illuminate the interior of the building.

The stone floors are covered here and there by many sturdy patterned rugs, and there are many small alcoves located in various places on every level, each with a small table and a few chairs and comfortable cushions for ease of reading and study. Small crystals attached to each table can be touched to summon one of the library’s many scribes or assistants, to request help finding a certain book, or to request that something from a book be copied for personal use. These scribes and others are often employees of the library, paid to transcribe books among other tasks, although some of them are also simply there for the joy of learning and providing educational materials for others.

On the first floor, to the west and east are two doors: The western one is labeled clearly as being for library staff only. The eastern states clearly in gold lettering the single word ‘Amphitheater’. Going through this door will lead one down a hallway to the room in question, a large hall with hundreds of seats, available for musical performances, lectures, instructional seminars, etc. To schedule any events taking place in the Amphitheater, one should speak to the Head Librarian.