The George Peabody Library

It’s Wednesday, January 29, and I’m in the mood for a change of scenery. I have plenty of work to do and think to myself, Hmm, should I go to the library or go off campus? I contemplate briefly as the sun beams down on this beautiful day in Baltimore. Nearly all the snow has melted away, but the shadows of the surrounding buildings are the lifeline of a few remaining patches. I make up my mind: the George Peabody Library. It’s been on my bucket list for nearly all of college, but somehow, I’ve never committed myself to going. Today is the perfect opportunity. I hop in the car, throw the key in the ignition, and type the directions into my phone. Sixteen minutes away, reads Maps.

As I pull up, with one last turn remaining, a tall marble structure catches my attention. It almost looks like the biggest chess piece you’ve ever seen in the world (think 178-foot chess piece). A white marble man stands perched at the top with an outstretched hand. With a little searching, I learned that this is the historic Washington Monument, the centerpiece of Mt. Vernon Place. This monument was the first in the U.S. dedicated to George Washington, the first president of the United States. Although I did not get to go inside, it would be worth another trip to explore the gallery.

My attention drifts away from the monument as the dangling light turns green, and I take a right turn—Maps says I am here. I put my parking skills to the test, guiding my car into a snug spot along the left side of the street where a two-hour parking limit sign stands. That should be plenty of time. A quick Google image search confirms my destination, but if I had looked up, I would have seen “PEABODY INSTITUTE” in bold gold lettering gleaming against the backdrop of a cloudless sky, hovering above a set of stairs lined with columns. As I ascend the stairs, I approach a weathered door slightly propped open. I gently nudge it with my shoulder, feeling the coolness of the wood against my skin. A security guard lounges in a chair, his head resting on his hand, as I scan for clues to guide me to the library, and a sign directs me to the left.

In 1857, George Peabody established the George Peabody Library for the Baltimore community. He was born in Massachusetts but appreciated the kindness and hospitality of the people here, so he dedicated it to them. He aimed to promote education and learning, and the library finally opened in 1878.

As I walk into the large room, I take in the history that lies within these walls. The cast-iron balconies and marble pillars stretch the length of five floors to a skylight above. Each floor is flourishing with books—nearly 300,000 volumes, mainly from the 19th century. The white marble floor reflects the light sneaking through the windowed roof above, creating a dance of light with each step.

I sit down at a long, dark wood table, tucked away between a set of bookshelves. The room branches and offers privacy from the open atmosphere of the center. Scratches scatter across the table's surface, each representing a story from its past. This reminds me of my kitchen table at home, where my mom loves the marks left behind from years of family gatherings. Stories are everywhere if you look for them, especially here in this library.

The atmosphere is peaceful and calm, with the soft humming of the air conditioning filling the silence. Even though there’s foot traffic, everyone around me is intensely focused on their work, with headphones snugly in and power cords stretching across the table. Several people wander past, glancing into my alcove, but they continue, observing the beautiful architecture.

The Peabody Institute is a remarkable place not only for its beautiful architecture but also for its display of the institution's commitment to education and community. The library values the preservation of historical pieces, drawing you in with its unique atmosphere, unlike modern libraries. It showcases the beauty of education, the importance of preservation, and the dedication to hard work. I think this was why I was able to truly focus here; a sense of productivity radiating throughout the establishment.

During my brief two-hour visit to the Peabody Library, I gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty and cultural diversity of Baltimore. People of all ages, from children to older adults, were wandering and working, showing that education brings people together. This library serves as a place for like-minded individuals to focus on their work. If you’re looking for a more social atmosphere, this might not be the place for you. However, having places like this can be motivating. If you find yourself in a rut and need a change of scenery or simply want to admire its beauty, I highly recommend a trip to the George Peabody Library.