In this week’s Designing Worlds show, we are exploring abd discussing Second Life libraries, especially the amazing network of libraries that has developed in the Victorian-themed estate of Caledon, under the curatorship of Sir JJ Drinkwater and his team of volunteers (popularly known as the Library Militant).
The show goes live at 2pm SLT, Monday 19th November on the Designing Worlds Vimeo channel and on the Designing Worlds channel at SLArtist – and you can join the special viewing party (also at 2pm SLT) in our studio on Garden of Dreams.
In the show, we explore with Sir JJ Drinkwater some of the Caledon libraries, such as the Jack and Elaine Whitehorn Memorial Library and the HG Wells Memorial Library, as well as the Gertrude Jekyll Gardening Collection and the Steampunk Collection. We learn of the extensive renovation the Whitehorn is currently undergoing, and the reasons behind it.
We also hold a detailed discussion with a group of librarians and people interested in and supportive of the work of libraries from all over Second Life – including Sir JJ and Sere Timeless (Owner of the SL Regions of Rocca Sorrentina and the Bay of Naples), Valibrarian Gregg, Director of Community Virtual Library, Kghia Gherardi, Library Patron & Volunteer, and Beth Ghostraven, owner of the Book and Tankard Pub in Caledon Victoria and enthusiastic library supporter. Together they discuss the work of the libraries and how the concept of a library adapts itself to the possibilities and challenges of a virtual world.
And our wonderful photographer, Wildstar Beaumont, gives us a glimpse of some of the many libraries available in Second Life.
It all makes for a fascinating show – make sure you don’t miss it. And, if you can, join the special viewing party (also at 2pm SLT) in our studio on Garden of Dreams.
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If you would like to visit the Libraries of Caledon, here is a list:
The Jack and Elaine Whitehorn Memorial Library, Caledon Victoria City
The Caledon Library Reading Room in Caledon VIctoria City
The Vannevar Bush Reading Garden, Caledon prime. Iinter-Library Loan Catapult, & a book of verses beneath a shady bough
The Marie Curie Memorial Branch Library: Science, Technolgy, Poetry, and the precursor literatures of the Steampunk genre
HG Wells Memorial Branch Library, Caledon Wellsian. “The Art of Going” Real and Imaginary voyages
Tinyville Library, Tinyville, Caledon Tanglewood: 19th century Children’s literature and Literature of the Fantastic
Caledon Welcome Centre, sponsored by the Caledon Library
Steampunk and Airships Dirigible: Steampunk Reference collection, Proto-Steampunk FIction from the 19th c; 19th & early 20th c books on Airships
Gertrude Jekyll Gardening Collection
Caledon Library at Oxbridge: Caledon Materials, Oxbridge Materials, Public School Novels.
The H. P. Blavatsky Spiritualism Collection, Caledon Speirling
What happens in Special Collections *stays* in Special Collections
The Caledon Library is a Branch of the Alexandrian Free Library and is supported by the House of Wu and the Caledon Library Benefactors group.
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Other Second Life Libraries you might like to visit:
Community Virtual Library, Cookie
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cookie/54/117/21
Website: https://communityvirtuallibrary.org/
Virtual Ability Libraries
On Healthinfo Island, there is the Consumer Health Library. This library has disability, mental health, senior health, medication, and addiction resources. Actually, the entire island is a library of information. There are eight exhibits that are updated monthly with relevant health information. They also have a Path of Support with information from over 100 health peer support groups in SL. The Research Pavilion hosts health research presentations and shares information on studies that are recruiting subjects. Healthinfo Island also houses a Health & Wellness Center, an Herb Garden, a Farmer’s Market and a quiet reading room. You can find it here:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/128/128/24
In addition there is a library on Cape Serenity that features works by authors with disabilities. Next to the library is a lovely poetry garden. You can find it here:
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cape%20Serenity/88/123/22
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Rosehaven Library, in Rosehaven Castle (formerly Winterfell)
R.F. Burton Library, New Babbage
Nuba Archives
TV rec-room in the Gym – Nuba Archives
Trilby’s Moors Mausoleum Library
Prim Perfect 