So in real life, I'm kind of a library nut. I love libraries, and being in libraries, and doing stuff in libraries. So, I wanted to build a library in my current stable fort. The problem, obviously, is that dwarves seem to have little use for books, shelves, bookshelves, and anything that would remotely resemble an actual library.
So I am now determined to build the closest thing to a library that DF will allow.
First, it would obviously have to be designated as a "throne room/study" (emphasis on STUDY). I don't know what "regular" dwarves would do in such a place, but it will be partitioned into different areas so that any administrator/noble who requires an "office" will have it in the library.
Second, I will have a small room off to the side which will be designated living quarters for the librarian (the philosopher). He wasn't doing anything anyways, so I may as well pretend that he's got something to do.
Third, I'm debating between engraved walls/floors (the dwarven choice) or wooden flooring/paneling (the librarian choice). Perhaps I'll do a combination of the two, but I really want some level of consistency in that it should either be all wooden or all stone. I'm pretty sure the furniture will all be wooden, however, and any decorative statues/etc. will also be wood. Heresy for Dwarves, I know, but when you think about it, libraries are probably heresy to them as well.
Fourth, I'm still trying to decide on a layout. I don't think I'll separate any areas in the library with doors (I want a more open feel to it), but I still think that having a more central "library" area and then a few "study corners" for the offices is the best choice.
Last, I'm still undecided on how to represent the actual shelves/books. Engravings (aka the dwarven picture library) seem like an obvious choice, but insofar as furniture goes, I was thinking that perhaps statues (presumably of important historical/fictional dwarves) might also be an adequate substitute. Cabinets seemed like the closest realistic approximation (perhaps they could house scrolls), but a library fool of stray socks and other knick-nacks seems more than a little ridiculous.
Any suggestions on other things to do, or things to change? Anything I missed that might make this more difficult/easy than anticipated?