There were original musical scores by Bach, Mozart and others, including the original score of Handel's Messiah. There was an original Magna Carta. There were countless religious documents from all faiths, that were hundreds of years old. But my favorite were the original manuscripts from authors like Dickens, Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte and others. It was so fascinating to look at their pages, see the phrases they crossed out and changed, and imagine them writing on those very pages, ideas that became famous works of literature. I couldn't stop smiling. There was also a really fun Alice in Wonderland exhibit celebrating the books 150 year anniversary.
From the library I walked to the Camley Street Natural Park, which was green and lovely, but a little bit of a let-down. But as I walked along the canal, in no particular direction, I stumbled upon something else perfectly delightful. Granary Square was "opened" in 2012, but it was designed around existing historic buildings, making it a really fun blend of modern and classical. It is right along Regents Canal, and has coordinated water fountains and restaurants, and aesthetically pleasing landscaping. I went into Waitrose and bought some almonds and carrots and ate my lunch basking in the sunshine and ambiance, feeling quite lucky to have found it.
From there I went back to Soho for more doughnuts and a little shopping on Regent's street and then, completely exhausted, caught a train home.