A
How cool can libraries be in an era (时代) of iPods and Kindles? More than you think.Only if you know where to go.
Central Library: Seattle, Washington, United States
The Central Library in Seattle is modern and fashionable and has tourists from around the world paying visits and taking tours.It was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and American designer Joshua Ramus.Tours began in 2006, two years after its opening.The library holds various art exhibitions, book signings and other events, while visitors can stop by the Chocolate cart for a coffee and scan through the gift shop anytime.
Trinity College Library: Dublin, Ireland
The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth Ⅰ.It is the largest single library in the world, also known as the Long Room, which contains more than 200,000 of the library's oldest books.The Long Room houses one of the oldest harps(竖琴) in Ireland.Dating back to the 15th century, the old harp is the model for the symbol of Ireland.
Geisel Library, University of California: San Diego, United States
At first glance, it looks like a spaceship.Architect William Pereira, who helped design actual space launch facilities at Cape Canaveral in Houston, Texas, designed the library in 1970.It has been featured in scifi films, short stories and novels.The library hosts “Dinner in the Library”， which invites readers for cocktails, and also a special speech from distinguished authors.
TU Delft Library: Delft, Netherlands
The library at the Delft University of Technology was constructed in 1997 and has more than 862,000 books，16,000 magazine subscriptions and its own museum.The building itself exists beneath the ground, so you can't really see the actual library.What makes it interesting is the roof, which is a grassy hill.The roof covers 5,500 square meters.And it has become one of the most striking and greenest structures in the area.
语篇解读：本文是一篇应用文。文章向读者推荐了在拥有iPod和Kindle的时代，几家很酷的图书馆。
1.Which of the four libraries has the longest history?
A．Central Library. B．Trinity College Library.
C．Geisel Library. D．TU Delft Library.
解析：选B 细节理解题。根据Trinity College Library: Dublin, Ireland部分中The Trinity College Library in Dublin is the oldest library in Ireland, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth Ⅰ.及其他三个图书馆的建造时间可知，Trinity College Library是四个图书馆中历史最悠久的图书馆，故选B项。
2．Which library is under the ground?
A．Central Library. B．Trinity College Library.
C．Geisel Library. D．TU Delft Library.
解析：选D 细节理解题。根据TU Delft Library: Delft, Netherlands部分中The building itself exists beneath the ground, so you can't really see the actual library.可知，TU Delft Library在地下，故选D项。
3．What makes Geisel Library different from the others?
A．Famous writers often deliver speeches there.
B．It has a roof of grassy hill.
C．Queen Elizabeth I founded the library.
D．It is the largest single library in the world.
解析：选A 细节理解题。根据Geisel Library, University of California: San Diego, United States部分中The library hosts “Dinner in the Library”， which invites readers for cocktails, and also a special speech from distinguished authors.可知，Geisel Library与其他图书馆最大的区别就是著名作家经常在那里发表演讲，故选A项。
