This is a great idea! It also respects the architecturally and culturally important aspects of the impressive original structure. One marvels at the backbreaking labor (and genius) that went into these buildings. This is a great way to pay tribute to that expenditure.

I just hope it isn't too drafty!

now that's a church i could attend!

i LOVE reading, and so does my 13 year old - this may be what 'heaven' is like. . . especially if there's a great coffee shop in there somewhere. . .

Can anyone tell me where this building is located?

Hi guys

This church/Bookstore is located in Maastricht, the Netherlands ,Holland,
It very close to the city center
its name is SELEXY it is a chain like B&N in the US
Here is the URL of the Bookstore with all it address, email and phone number
http://www.selexyz.nl/pages/content/S2/selexyzwinkel_dominikanerkerk.aspx

I was there 2 weeks ago and the place is great.
Quiet warm actually, and it has its own cafe with hot drinks Cakes and foods . Yes Smoking is not allowed in the bookstore ;) just to be clear:)

Maastricht is next to the belgian/ dutch border
Also call the 3 borders regions as you are also close to Germany so basicaly in the heart of Europe.

Last but not least Friday is market day in Maastricht
Very interesting.

Gil the belgian

Excuse me sir. Do you have anything by the author known as FSM?

I'm sorry, I don't get the FSM reference. What does that mean?

I'm sorry, I don't get the FSM reference. What does that mean?

Google it. Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster - a parody of sorts.

Holly contrasts: awe uninspired lofty spiritual space vs fine print.

Kelly
perhaps one day he will touch you with his noodley appendage. :)

Peiterskerk in Leiden, the Netherlands is used as a public auditorium for different events. They hold a Thanksgiving celebration there for the ex-pats, even. Sainte Anne in Montpellier, France is now an art gallery.

Of course, this reminds me of the stories of churches in Russia being converted into swimming pools, ice skating rinks, and even officer clubs during the Soviet era when religion was suppressed. It's done in a much more respectful manner and for different reasons, though.

Sorry Treehugger for following off topic but I checked out the spaghetti monster wiki and thought the idea of 'Pastafarians' too funny not to mention!
Love the truly uplifting church/bookstore as well.

Man, I wish I lived in a place where there were "churches that are no longer needed for religious purposes." That would be awesome. Where I'm from, there are about 9 churches in about a 1/2 mile radius, and all are attended.

What's wrong with churches? Now this is an excellent example of repurpose and reuse. And the church and bookshop are on verge of extinction? Really? Since when?

@ JL: Ramen! :D

If they converted old cathedrals into libraries here, I would certainly be visiting more. What a better place to quietly study or read a book than a spacious, historical and architecturally impressive place than a cathedral (not to mention spiritual).

Many are also impressive in their ability to remain cool in the summertime, and warm in the winter, without central air ("No pleasure, no rapture, no exquisite sin greater, than central air.")

Of course, you must be mindful of that giant X on the floor, there's a hole in the center tile.

As I said on the other blog entry.
The architectural concept is beautiful. It is really wonderful.

BUT (and sorry to be a party pooper) the heating and lighting bills are a tad not ecological. :/ I'm not sure if there would be a possibility to still benefit of the space without the cost on the environment. Maybe a glass box inside the church.

I wish my local library looked like that.

That looks too cool. Although, most churches have a lot of echoes and amplify sound, so it'd be hard to keep this library quiet

This is brilliant irony at its best. A clash of cultures and styles. I love the idea. Thanks for sharing it.

Anyone else smell a Starbuck's?