Build a Library and We'll Guess Which Historical Woman You Are

By: Jennifer Post
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Build a Library and We'll Guess Which Historical Woman You Are
Image: GoodLifeStudio/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Have you ever walked into a library and just felt speechless? It can happen when you least expect it and completely change your outlook on things. Libraries themselves are special because they hold the written word of hundreds of authors, educational materials and a little something for the kids, too. University libraries, especially the really old ones, not only speak through leather-bound books but also through the architecture that houses them. It seems like a lot of care was put into the design and construction of these buildings. And rightfully so! People go to a library like they go to Church. They're looking for answers, entertainment and a way to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. 

Countless historical women took full advantage of libraries and used what sat inside of them to change the world. You walk into a library either knowing exactly what you're looking for or stumbling upon something you never knew you needed, just like those women did. Maybe Marie Curie walked into the library and found a text to help explain an issue she was having with radioactivity. Who's to say she didn't? Want to know which historical woman you are? Build a library, and we'll guess!

What kind of location are you building this library in?
An urban area
A big city
A small town in the country
Wherever I can find enough space

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Do you have a particular building material in mind?
Brick
A lot of stone
Wood frame with stucco
The normal kind?

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Have you always pictured your dream library with a lot of windows?
Natural light is crucial.
Not so many where it gets too hot
As many as structurally possible
Yes, but covered with stained glass

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Who will be able to come to your library?
Anyone who wants to
People who live in the area
School students in the area
If they can get there, they're welcome.

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What special outdoor feature will your library have?
A community garden
A waterfall
A park for playing and having picnics
A sandy area like a beach

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Will you carry all different kinds of books?
Variety is the spice of life.
Only books written by women
I'll carry every book I can find.
There will be an emphasis on educational materials

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How many floors is ideal for your library?
At least two
I'm thinking four.
Seven would be amazing.
Just three, but the floors will be sprawling.

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What do you want the goal of your library to be?
To be a place where people of all shapes, sizes and colors feel comfortable
Comfortable, and a place people can hang out
Where people come to better themselves
Good books, comfy chairs and good coffee

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Which existing library inspired the construction of your library?
The Library of Congress
Yale University Beinecke Rare Book Library
Reading Room of the British Museum
Library of Alexandria

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Where will you buy the furniture for people to sit on at your library?
Ikea
A local furniture store
I'll have someone make it.
A discount furniture store

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What kind of treats will you offer your library guests?
Home baked cookies and cakes
Coffee, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
Healthy snacks for the kids
High end vending machines

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Are you hiring a full team to help bring your library dream a reality?
I need all the help I can get.
A few trusty people
I'll enlist volunteers.
I can do a lot of it myself, but not the actual constructing.

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Do you have a budget for your building?
Yes, it's city funded.
I'm paying for it all myself, so it's a tight budget.
I'll pay whatever it takes.
I do, but it's flexible.

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Which design scheme are you going for on the inside?
Fun patterns and bright colors
Neutrals and earth tones
I haven't decided yet.
Hardwood floors, plush couches and geometric wallpaper

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How will you display all the books?
On tall shelves with a ladder
On shelves that aren't too high so everyone can reach them
On a rotating bookcase
All along the perimeter of the library

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Will you host any classes at your library?
There will be a stage for public speaking practice.
Yoga and Thai Chi
After school care and activities
Yes! They'll rotate.

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Are you stepping into the future of technology and offering computers for visitors?
A few
There will be a whole tech center.
Yes, and free WiFi!
I didn't even think of that.

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What special features will the walls of your library hold?
Local art
Wallpaper that kids can draw on
Maps of different countries
Interactive TV screens

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Will you encourage people to stick around for a while?
They can stay as long as they want.
The couches will be pretty comfy.
Until it's time to go to bed
There will be plenty of activities to keep people occupied.

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How will you ensure your library never goes out of style?
Keep updating it as necessary
Go with a classic look
You can't ensure that.
Keep the books relevant

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Will you take book donations from those in the neighborhood?
Of course!
Who would turn down books?
As long as the library doesn't have it already
No, but I'll host a book sale where people can come and sell the books they don't want.

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Every good library has a "wow" factor. What will yours be?
Solar panels
A planetarium
A meal program for those who can't afford groceries
A mural by a local artist

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Do you like the idea of hosting a movie night every week?
I love it!
Maybe not every week
If we could get the rights to the movies
It sounds fun! I wonder if people would come.

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Will you try to match the style of the library to the style of the other buildings in the area?
Yes, definitely.
I'd try my best.
I want to stand out.
I'll want it to fit right in.

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What will you do to grow your book collection?
I'll buy them.
Donations
A little bit at a time
I'll bring my personal book collection and start with that.

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How will you choose who works at your library?
It'll be run by volunteers.
The most qualified will get the job.
I'll give anyone a job who needs one.
I'll only hire local people.

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On the grounds of the library, what kinds of events will you have?
5k races
Summer cookouts
Garden parties
Chili cook-off

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What will the parking situation be?
Free
I want a parking lot specifically for the library.
Parking garage
Lots of spaces in the area

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Will the library be geared towards a certain age group?
There will be a children's area.
Not any in particular
I want everyone to feel comfortable.
Each floor will have a different theme.

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How will you handle late returns?
There are no late fees.
People can work off the fees.
If it's after a certain amount of time, they can keep the book.
There's a no-questions-asked return policy.

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You Got: