12 Unusual and Unique Libraries Around the Globe
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Whether you’re a bookworm or are keener on architecture, visiting some of the world’s most unique libraries can be a truly memorable experience.
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.
Baroque architecture, stucco work, ceiling frescoes, polished wooden shelving, domed roofs, and more await. Here are 12 of the best, most beautiful, and most unusual libraries on the planet.
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.
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Stunning ceiling frescoes, intricate stucco work, and elaborate wooden shelving make this one of the world’s most beautiful and unusual libraries.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt
Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Egypt’s second city was constructed to commemorate the ancient Library of Alexandria and opened in 2002.
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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.
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Admont Abbey Library, Austria
This vast monastic library – the world’s biggest – resembles a church rather than a book depository.
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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.
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Vancouver Public Library, Canada
Inspired by Rome’s world-famous Colosseum, Vancouver Public Library in the city center, within Library Square.
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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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Trinity College Library, Dublin
Trinity College Library is one of the breathtaking, best-known, and instantly recognizable book depositories on the planet. Located at the University in Dublin in the city center, this copyright library houses a vast collection.
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The Long Room at the Republic of Ireland’s largest library is simply stunning.
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Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Brazil
Located in downtown Rio de Janeiro, the Royal Portuguese Reading Room is a State Institute of Cultural Heritage-listed Gothic-style pile.
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It’s home to more than 350,000 tomes and was built by Portuguese immigrants. An iron chandelier, a stained-glass dome, and towering bookcases make this library a thing of real beauty.
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Stuttgart City Library, Germany
This modern, minimalist library at Mailänder Platz in Stuttgart opened in 2011 – and was met with mixed reactions.
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With sleek lines and a square shape, it certainly stands out. A Korean architect came up with the innovative design. The interior is flooded with light, and a rooftop terrace offers sweeping city views.
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New York Public Library, US
The iconic Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in Manhattan is the New York Public Library system’s flagship site. Its Rose Reading Room has starred on the silver screen in both Ghostbusters and Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
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This incredible library is the fourth-largest in the world.
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Austrian National Library
The refined city of Vienna is home to Austria’s National Library, a depository for over 12 million items.
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This Baroque building forms part of the Hofburg Palace, so it’s easy to pop in while you’re touring the royal site. Aptly, the Austrian National Library offers majestic architecture and a magical feel.
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Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, Taiwan
The first-ever green library to be built in Taiwan is the Beitou Branch of the Taipei Public Library.
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Housed in a three-story structure, it was built to blend seamlessly with the Beitou Park setting. It’s right next to Beitou Hot Spring Museum if you feel like a soak before or after browsing the book collection.
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Tracy Chesterson is a freelance content writer specializing in travel. UK-based, she’s traveled widely, particularly in Europe, Oceania, and Southeast Asia, and spent a year exploring Australia. Tracy has also worked in the travel trade. In her spare time, she loves to spend time outdoors and plan future trips.
