While some may turn their nose up at books, once you know where to look, you’ll see that certain libraries are housed in some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Sure, they may not be top of your itinerary when you land in a new destination, but we think our list below will give you pause for thought. From historic structures full of original texts, to new builds with modern twists, bibliophiles and more will find something to delight them here.
The Black Diamond, Copenhagen. Photo by: nanisimova/Adobe Stock
The Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek), Copenhagen
Built in 1999, this neo-modernist building, an addition to the Royal Library’s original quarters, has become known as the Black Diamond due to its outwards appearance. It has an incredible harbour view and houses frescoes painted by the Dutch artist, Per Kirkeby. It is renowned as the largest library in Nordic countries, holding copies of nearly all known Danish printed works. This vast collection extends back as far as the first known printed Danish book, dating 1482. The physical collection of the library totals over 35,400,000 items. There’s also a concert hall within the building, along with the National Museum of Photography and the National Museum of Cartoon Art.
The George Peabody Library, Baltimore. Photo by: Andrea Izzotti/Adobe Stock
George Peabody Library, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore
The 5-tier atrium found here is lined with wrought-iron balconies and columns. Completed in 1878, the neo-Greco interior makes it an ideal location for special events and even weddings. The slab marble floor contains a black and white pattern, and the 61-foot-high ceiling has a latticed skylight made of thick frosted glass.
The Library of Congress, Washington D.C. Photo by: Gang/Adobe Stock
Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
This library officially serves the United States Congress and is the largest library in the world. When the original library burned down in 1814, what you see now was developed. It’s the oldest Federal cultural institution within the U.S. There are over 32 million catalogued reading materials, housed between 3 buildings, connected by underground passageways. A mosaic form of Minerva, goddess of wisdom, remains present in the main reading room.
Central Library of Vancouver. Photo by: heyengel/Adobe Stock
Central Library of Vancouver
Its design makes it look like a modern-day Colosseum; an internal glass façade overlooks a public concourse formed by a second wall wrapped around the east side of the building. The concourse is open-air, lit by the sun, and contains shops and cafes, providing adequate space to serve as a meeting point for many. Bridges inside the library connect to the reading and study areas in the outer walls. Some of the 9 storeys found here have been used as filming locations for the likes of Battlestar Galactica and Mr Magoo.
New York Public Library. Photo by: rmbarricarte/Adobe Stock
New York Public Library
This iconic building contains the Rose Main Reading Room which stretches itself across two city blocks, containing impressive windows and chandeliers. It’s the second largest library in the U.S. and fourth largest in the world, covering 646,680 square feet and with 4 storeys open to the public. A total of 75 miles of shelves were installed in 1910, with the opening declared in 1911. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1965, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, and named a New York City Landmark in 1967. Two marble lions rest either side of the entrance, popular for photos. You may recognise scenes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ghostbusters and The Day After Tomorrow, among others.
Marciana Library, Venice. Photo by: rh2010/Adobe Stock
Marciana Library (Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana), Venice
A Renaissance-era structure, this is the earliest surviving library in Italy. Adorning the ceilings and walls are art by Venetian artists such as Alessandro Vittoria, Titian and Tintoretto. It’s one of the earliest surviving manuscript depositories in the country, known to hold one of the great classical texts collections in the world.
Trinity College Library, Dublin. Photo by: jon_chica/Adobe Stock
Trinity College Old Library, Dublin
The 200ft Long Room holds 200,000 of their oldest books. Marble busts of famous writers line the walkways. This library was founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 but the current structure was built in 1712. Originally built with a flat ceiling, the current domed shape was put in place to make space for more books. The Book of Kells is a large draw for many- a lavishly decorated books containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. The thousands of rare and early volumes the library holds, along with the stunning architecture, makes the library one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland.
Stuttgart City Library. Photo by: campanavalentin/Adobe Stock
Stuttgart City Library
The 9-storey building leaves quite an impression- the monolithic cube becomes illuminated in blue come night fall. Although the outside might seem dark and oppressing, the inside is the complete opposite, completely decorated with white. The 5-storey reading room is shaped like an upside-down pyramid. There is a Library for Insomniacs which remains open throughout the night with a selection of works. A whole floor is dedicated to music and you’ll find interactive information columns inside to assist you.
Coimbra Library, Alta and Sofia
This ornate Biblioteca Joanina, created in 1717, contains a décor of carved wood, intricate arches and gilded patterns. Art adorns the ceiling by Antonio Simoes Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes. Look out for the Chinese motifs on the gilded and lacquered bookshelves. Construction was completed between 1717 and 1728, finishing three great rooms with three floors. 200,000 volumes fill the shelves. It has a darker side to the other libraries on our list however, as it has its own prison. There’s even a resident colony of bats that help protect the books but require a daily cleaning schedule.
Bodleian Library, Oxford University. Photo by: Sam Spiro/Adobe Stock
Bodleian Library, Oxford University
This is one of Europe’s oldest libraries, is the second largest in Britain, and dates to 1602. It contains over 2 million items. The medieval reading room has a low, ornately decorated ceiling. Access to the reading room is via the guided tour only. External readers, not affiliated to the university, are required to make an oral declaration before being allowed entry. The library had been used in the first two Harry Potter films for Hogwarts library and the hospital.
Seattle Central Library. Photo by: lembi/Adobe Stock
Seattle Central Library
With a futuristic glass façade outside, you’d never guess that inside contains the world’s only Book Spiral. Browse the library’s nonfiction collection without having to take stairs or an escalator to another floor; simply walk down the inclined floor as it spirals up four storeys. 30 miles of books can be found along the spiral. In total, there are 11 storeys to explore, encased in glass and steel, with over 400 PCs available for public access.
Library of Birmingham. Photo by: samstoun/Adobe Stock
Library of Birmingham
A structure that will be sure to stand out- 4 rectangular blocks stacked on top of each other and decorated with a pattern of 5357 metal rings. Inside, the original Shakespeare Memorial Room has been carefully reassembled from its initial creation in 1882. It takes a more traditional form with its wood-panelled walls, a stark contrast to the exterior.
State Library of South Australia
This two-storey building opened in 1884 and is the official library of the State of South Australia. Built in a French Renaissance style with a mansard roof, explore inside to discover the Dent and Sons clock which takes pride of place. The glass roof allows in plenty of natural light to illuminate the wrought-iron and gold balcony.
Klementiunum, Prague. Photo by: bob/Adobe Stock
Clementinum (Klementinum), Prague
This is the National Library of the Czech Republic and is the biggest in the country. Said to have been started by the Jesuits in 1622 with just one book, the Library Hall is just one part of a larger complex. Their initial work quickly increased to over 20,000 volumes. The design of the library exudes baroque design and painted murals decorate the walls. Many of the original labels from the library’s opening remain intact and in place. Spot them as you walk around. Guided tours are available to give you a better insight into the history and development of the site.
National Library of Spain (Biblioteca Nacional de España), Madrid
This is one of the world’s largest libraries with over 26 million items in its collection. Founded in 1712 by King Philip V as the Palace Public Library, it was opened to the public in its current location in 1896. As well as having an Exhibition Room and Museum, the Reading Room can accommodate around 320 readers. It is Spain’s only national library.
Which of these stunning libraries will you visit first?
Book your hire car whichever library you want to visit to make your trip run a bit smoother and allow access to whole range of attractions.
Have you ever visited any of these libraries? Let us know in the comments below or share your photos with us on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #ZestForTravel.
Which of these from our list are you hoping to visit? Are there any others you’d recommend?
Written by Jessica Juby.
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