I was appalled by the design of the new Main Library on Santa Monica Boulevard. As a nearby resident, I agreed that it looked like a prison, and still does. But once “Shawshank” opened its doors to residents and visitors alike, I was further appalled. It is a prison for sure, what with all its rules and book-lined walls keeping one another from the general population.
After serving seven years in Folsom State Penitentiary, I know a thing or two about a thing or two. Okay, we get it, there are a lot of books in the world, but where are we supposed to play cards for cigarettes? Where do we work out and show off our tats? Furthermore, the cafe isn’t even open to serve us tin plates of strained foodstuffs.
I cannot begin to express my disappointment in the city and the library as a public gathering space. Don’t smoke. Don’t talk. No burpees. What are we supposed to do there all day. It’s very anti-social. I’m trying to reintegrate here.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 1, 2006. Read the original PDF.