Aesthetically pleasing book depositories are dotted all over Europe and the Americas. From a Brazilian library built by the Portuguese to European monastery libraries, there are some lovely libraries to see.
Strahov Monastery Library, Czech Republic
Historic Strahov Monastery Library, on a hilltop in Prague, boasts several beautiful, historic halls. All three have intriguing names – the Philosophical Hall, the Theological Hall, and the Cabinet of Curiosity.
Stunning ceiling frescoes, intricate stucco work, and elaborate wooden shelving make this one of the world’s most beautiful and unusual libraries.
Library of Congress, US
This research library in the US capital dates back to 1800 and is the oldest federal cultural institution in the entire nation. It houses a vast collection of rare books, with over 155 million items in total.
The elegant neoclassical design of the second-largest library in the world features a magnificent domed ceiling.
Bodleian Library, UK
Oxford’s Bodleian Library is a masterpiece and one of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated libraries. It is also the second-biggest in Britain.
A University of Oxford research library, it’s one of the city’s most bewitching places. The Divinity School played a starring role in the first Harry Potter movie.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt
Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt’s second city was constructed to commemorate the ancient Library of Alexandria and opened in 2002.
It features a contemporary design with a curving facade and houses around eight million books on seven levels. This library and cultural center is situated close to Alexandria’s harbor, by the Mediterranean Sea.
Admont Abbey Library, Austria
This vast monastic library – the world’s biggest – resembles a church rather than a book depository.
Dating from the 18th century, it’s prized for its Baroque architecture and beautiful ceiling frescoes. Libraries don’t come any more fabulous and flamboyant than this.
Inspired by Rome’s world-famous Colosseum, Vancouver Public Library in the city center, within Library Square.
It’s like a modern take on the ancient structure, with a rounded shape and curving, rectangular glass windows. The architect, Moshe Safdie, was a pioneer of responsible, idealist design.
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