Now that school’s back in session I find myself very, very busy. Work is cutting in to my biking time, and also cutting in to my exploration of new routes. I’ve been taking St. Charles largely because it is fast–it’s well-paved, wide enough to ride safely with cars (usually), and free of stop signs. Whee! But just because I’m taking the same route doesn’t mean I’m not seeing new things. My attention simply has to get keener and more focused. Today, for example, I noticed the public library. Well, I always notice the library, but today I saw it. The New Orleans public library branch building on St. Charles is beautiful, a mansion on a small hill, and, as a lover of books and public space and sharing, I like to see the library on this pedestal. But it suffered quite a bit of damage during Katrina and the aftermath of broken levees, and the building is under construction. Today I saw these men making plans–there are always men making plans around here–but also these teenagers dancing up and down the steps. The other day there were kids riding skateboards back and forth in front of the doors. I usually like to see spaces enjoying multiple uses, and I certainly like to see kids playing in front of the library, but I want those men to finish planning and fix up this building so it can do the myriad other things libraries do. I want those kids to be able to go inside and find the stuff of thinking and imagination.
What I Saw Riding My Bike Around Today 
I would try taking Prytania once in a while. There’s always something interesting there, too. And just a few stop signs down by the Pontchartrain Expressway. I used to live there behind the funeral home/Borders.
I don’t think Latter Library experienced any damage due to Katrina, aside from a few roof tiles. I think they are in the process though of shutting it down as a working library and reopening it as a venue/event space for the NOPL system. It has been in minor disrepair forever, but not because of Katrina.
Presently though, it is a working library and you can go in and check out books. The front pink room is so pretty, but not particularly conducive to sinking into a chair and reading all day, as they are all formal sitting area seats and therefore are a little stiff.
Make sure you look up when you sit in there and see the murals on the ceilings.
And Prytania or Baronne are way better streets to ride on, much faster, safer and better/newer blacktop.