I don't hang around on the first floor except at night sometimes if I do not want to climb up from the basement to the cold mezzanine or second floor. It is the most active place in the building and the most beautiful with its tall ceilings and marble floors covered in dark blue oriental rugs and windows broken into small panes ceiling to floor.

The shelves are all time-darkened oak and smell of old books mingled with furniture-waxed wood. The foyer is crowned with a huge crystal chandelier that paints rainbow colored lights on the furniture and floors.

It is the sacristy of the library. The baptismal font of where the faithful file in to be enlightened and blessed.