House of Crystal City Library and Archive

The Library and Archive is frequently mistaken for the statehouse; while the latter is one of the taller buildings in the city-state, the architectural style tends to blend in with the buildings around it. Meanwhile, the Library and Archive has clearly been built to stand out. Clad in diamond-shaped slabs of pink and green Allathonéan marble on two of the four outer walls, the building is three stories tall and takes up an entire block. The first two floors consist of the library and are open to the public, while the archives take up the top floor as well as the basement and are only accessible with assistance from a staff member.
The upper floor of the archives is especially well known for their extensive collections relating to the previous House Fathers & Mothers. Guided tours are available daily or by appointment. Although there are many items on display in cases or hung on walls, including portraits, iconic clothing items, and personal letters, most tour-takers greatly enjoy looking at the floor. Protected under a thick sheet of glass are architectural drawings by the first House Father, Cipactli. Trained as an architect, he liked to sketch his ideas on large rolls of paper with great detail (the tour guides often mention that some believe he had incredibly poor eyesight, hence the need to draw at such a scale), anticipating and pre-planning the growth of the city-state for centuries after his passing, even leaving room for technological improvements. He planned not only general zones for growth, but also specific buildings, including the City Library and Archives. One of his early designs for it is hung on the wall, with a plaque beside it translating part of his shorthand, "◇pt wls ++?" to, "maybe diamond-patterned walls are too much?" Clearly, he eventually changed his mind.

All the displayed drawings are those which have already been utilized; future plans are stored in acid-free archival boxes in temperature-controlled rooms, and are only viewable by those who have applied for the correct clearance in advance.

Tourism

Gray Armchair Near Window by Cater Yang

The City Library and Archive is not often a primary destination for visitors to the House of Crystal, but it is frequently one of many places tourists may choose to visit. It is an especially common destination for history buffs, as well as any tourists simply looking to step off the streets for a moment of quiet. Where the densely-packed, loud hustle and bustle of the city-state may be exciting for some, the Library and Archives offers a reprieve for those who may find it overstimulating.

Founding Date

AE 502

Type

Archive

Ruling/Owning Rank

House Father & Mother

Owning Organization

House of Crystal