Some have ornate painted frescoes, while some have futuristic designs. How ever they look, libraries are always a community and knowledge hub. People flock to their local library as a haven for some peace and quiet amongst shelves of books. While not your typical landmark to visit, there are some exceptionally beautiful libraries around the world that you should discover.
Library of Strahov Monastery
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is home to many beautiful buildings, such as the Astronomical Clock Tower. The Library of Strahov Monastery is also one of the city’s gems, found just 15 minutes’ walk from Prague Castle. The monastery itself dates back to 1143, however the oldest part of the library – the Baroque Theological Hall – was built between 1671 – 1674. Over 200,000 historical books are housed under beautiful biblical frescoes that adorn the ceiling. Spot the library’s compilation wheel, used to rotate the shelves for easier access.
New York Public Library
Location: New York City, USA
With over 2.5 million books, the New York Public Library is the second largest in the United States (sitting behind the Library of Congress). It also has 92 different locations dotted throughout the Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island. Our favourite location is the Rose Main Reading Room. It’s an airy space, covering an area of two city blocks, with blue skies painted on its ceiling.
Old Library of Trinity College
Location: Dublin, Ireland
With a vaulted ceiling that arches over a two-storied library, the Long Room in the Old Library of Trinity College is magnificent. The Long Room is 65 metres long for you to walk amongst its shelves and sculptures of famous writers and thinkers. It was originally one level but when the Library was given the right to house a copy of every book published in Britain and Ireland, a second floor was built. People come from far and wide to see the Book of Kells, a ninth century book that was written and illustrated by monks.
Hachioji Library
Location: Tokyo, Japan
The Hachioji Library is certainly not your average library! Given it is part of the Tama Art University, it was designed as a space not just for research, but to inspire its budding art students. The Hachioji Library features a minimalist, open floor plan complete with a concrete structure and glass walls.
Stuttgart City Library
Location: Stuttgart, Germany
The exterior is just as fascinating as the interior at the Stuttgart City Library! This library is a foray into modern design, attracting architecture lovers since its opening. You’ll arrive to find a cube-shaped building before entering a space with sleek lines and natural light over five levels. A highlight is the main reading room which is designed as an upside-down pyramid.
Starfield Library
Location: Seoul, South Korea
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Starfield Library is a bookstore seeing as it’s located inside the Starfield COEX Mall in the Gangnam district. With soaring bookcases and abundant natural light, this is a beautiful space to work, read or escape the hustle and bustle of Seoul.
Central Public Library
Location: Vancouver, Canada
It’s hard to miss Vancouver’s Central Public Library with its sheer size and unique architecture. It takes up an entire city block, and its Colosseum-inspired design reaches nine levels. Not only is it your typical library, but there is also a rooftop garden, theatre, exhibition spaces and a cafe.
Which of these beautiful libraries around the world would you like to visit? Discover a new destination on a Globus or Cosmos tour, or an Avalon Waterways river cruise.
