The best libraries in the world help communities and societies remain together by sharing past and contemporary tales. The vast selection of books on the shelves enables readers to increase and broaden their knowledge. The charming meeting spaces offer a secure setting for people to gather and work or talk about their interests. The hallowed room and walls of libraries reveal as much about the spirit and history of a place as the volumes within. While some may display their beauty outside in the form of modernist exteriors or palatial appearances, others beckon you inside to be in awe of their extensive collections, sculpted archways, and vibrant ceiling frescoes. Whether you're a fan of magnificent architecture or a self-professed bibliophile, these stunning libraries from across the world should be on your literary bucket list.
Trinity College Library in Dublin
With a huge collection of over 6 million books, including the renowned Book of Kells, the Trinity College Library in Dublin, which serves both Trinity College and the University of Dublin, is the biggest library in Ireland. The Old Library, created by Thomas Burgh, is unquestionably the most admired of the library's several structures. More than 200,000 of the Library's oldest works are housed in the 65-meter-long main chamber known as the Long Room, which was constructed between 1712 and 1732. It makes sense that it has grown to be one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations given its beauty and significance.
Tianjin Binhai Library in China
This distinctive, futuristic five-story library, designed by Dutch firm MVRDV in partnership with TUPDI (Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute), has a modern flare with an all-white design and terraced shelving that attracts visitors and has been dubbed as the most beautiful library in China. Built into the walls of this room are floor-to-ceiling bookcases that serve as both a stairway and a seating place. The rectangular structure's enormous circular space in the center, which is visible from the outside and is created with metal-framed outside walls, has earned it the moniker "The Eye of Binhai."
Library of Alexandria in Egypt
The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a memorial to the ancient Alexandrian library that was lost to time and is situated in Alexandria, a port city in Egypt. The Library of Alexandria is an outstanding modern structure that can house up to 8 million works in remembrance of what was once the biggest and most significant library in the ancient world. The library, which was established in 2002, also houses a sizable reading room, museums, and art galleries. According to legend, the ancient Library of Alexandria was completely destroyed by a fire that broke out during Julius Caesar's civil war. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty over this old learning institution's actual fate. The current Library of Alexandria is a must-see for bookworms and history buffs alike!
Library of Congress in United State
The largest library in the world is the Library of the United States of America. 450 different languages are on display in the Library of Congress. The Washington, D.C., library, which was established in 1800, has undergone numerous damages and destructions, including attacks from the British in 1814 during the War of 1812 and a devastating fire in 1851. It flourished after the American Civil War and started amassing books and significant publications from all over the world. Even though the library is accessible to the public for tours, only senior government employees have access to its books and resources nowadays. The library participates in a number of initiatives to support American literature and art.
The Vatican Library
The Vatican Library is among the oldest in the world and dates back to 1475. There isn't a finer place on earth to find the most significant historical manuscripts, from religious writings to works on law, philosophy, and science. Despite the immense worth of its contents, anyone can access these works as long as they can justify their need for research. The Vatican Library is home to more than 1.1 million books and 75,000 manuscripts, but some of its most priceless possessions include the first complete manuscript of the Bible and a number of unique pieces of literature from ancient civilizations around the globe.
Stuttgart City Library in Germany
The nine-story Stuttgart City Library was designed by German-based YI architects using a minimalist style, drawing inspiration from the ancient Pantheon Rome, and features an open floor multi-level reading room styled like an upside-down pyramid. The library's magnificent white-on-white color schemes and clean lines provide readers with a peaceful, dreamlike ambiance. This cube-shaped library is encircled by stacks of books that are placed in a spiral staircase system that is lit by natural light that comes in through the glass roof.
Boston Public Library in US
With over 24 million books and having been open since 1852, the Boston Public Library is the second-largest library in the US and the first to offer book loans to the general public. Along with a sizable collection of books, it also includes a vast collection of DVDs, maps, music scores, and other visual materials. The library has several locations, the most significant of which is the Central Library, which is divided between two buildings constructed at various points in history: the Johnson building, a more recent addition, and the McKim building, which was constructed in 1895 and was inspired by the architecture of Rome and Paris. Both buildings are located in Copley Square in Boston's Back Bay neighbourhood.
British Library in the UK
The British Library is the second-largest library in the world with a collection of 150 million books, manuscripts, journals, music recordings and scores, patents, databases, and other materials. Between the Euston and St. Pancras train stations in London is where you can find the National Library of the United Kingdom. The British Library Act of 1972 established the library as a distinct entity on July 1st, 1973. Among the extraordinary treasures in the library are the Diamond Sutra, the first printed book ever, a Leonardo da Vinci notebook, the Codex Arundel, Gutenberg Bibles, and Lewis Carroll's renowned manuscript for Alice's Adventures Under Ground.
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Brazil
A group of 43 Portuguese political exiles and immigrants established the Real Gabinete Português de Leitura to promote and protect the historical ties between Portugal and Brazil. With features of the Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles, the structure is one of Rio de Janeiro's most exquisite architectural gems. A collection of paintings by different Portuguese illustrators, replicas of rare works from the 16th and 17th centuries, and a study centre for conducting research are all included in the library's estimated 350,000 volumes.