A library is a haven for book- lovers. It’s the perfect place to go when you need in-depth information on a certain subject or you simply want to sit down and read a good book. While there are thousands of libraries in the world, we’ve picked out the 10 best that are a must-visit.
1. Boston Public Library
An Italian-inspired structure, this library has over 23 million items, including rare manuscripts, print, and original musical scores in Boston, Massachusetts. Built in 1848, the old-school library is the second largest in the United States, and free for public use. The reading room itself exudes an appealing vibe and is just perfect for getting lost in a good book.
Boston Public Library
Address: 700 Boylston St, 02116 Boston, Massachusetts
Phone Number: +1 617-536-5400
Website: Boston Public Library
2. Stuttgart City Library
Inside this 9-story library in Germany are walls painted in all-white. The only colors you’ll see are the book spines. The all-white decor is to create a continuum inside the room. This cube-shaped library will amaze you after dark, especially when the building comes alive with blue lights. Equipped with cafés, meeting rooms, and even a rooftop space, it offers all amenities for you to stay up reading all night long. In fact, they have a designated area for readers and a collection of books available for reading after hours.
Stuttgart City Library
Address: Mailänder Platz 1, 70173 Stuttgart, Germany
Phone Number: +49 711 21691100
Website: Stuttgart City Library(in German)
3. Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Yale University keeps its literary archives and old manuscripts at Beinecke Rare Book Library. A favorite with the researchers, this library also lives up to its name as it actually houses rare documents and books. In fact, this building was built to preserve precious books and items from the past. One of the Gutenberg bible is inside this building. Rare maps and medieval manuscripts are also found here.
Beinecke Rare Book Library
Address: 121 Wall St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Phone Number: +1 203-432-2977
Website: Beinecke Rare Book Library
4. Trinity College Dublin Library
The famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript that contains four gospels of the new testament, is inside the Trinity College Library. It’s the largest library in England and has a jaw-dropping collection of 200,000 old books. Trinity College is called Ireland’s ‘copyright library’ as the newly published books are sent here. The lavish and distinctive interiors are exceptional, and is definitely worth a visit.
Trinity College Dublin Library
Address: Trinity College Dublin, College Street, Dublin 2, Dublin, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 1 896 1127
Website: Trinity College Dublin Library
5. New York Public Library
New York Public Library is the third largest in the world. The reading room alone is so large it can fit about 42 long wooden tables for the visitors. It holds about a whopping 53 million items inside.
You’ll know it’s New York Public Library when you see sculptures of two stone lions outside the building. These were completed in 1911, and the building exudes an old-world feel because of the grand chandeliers and wooden shelves. Do you want a tour of the library? Try going before 11am every day, except Sundays, to get a one-hour free tour.
New York Public Library
Address: 476 5th Ave, New York, NY 10018, USA
Website: New York Public Library
6. Vancouver Public Library
This library has over 1.3 million materials for viewing. The building also has restaurants, retails shops, and even a rooftop garden. Designed by architect, Moshe Safdie, it showcases quite a unique feature of in-house bridges connecting the study areas. The landmark also boasts an enviable collection of online resources, but book lovers will always gravitate towards the smell of well-thumbed books. A must-visit when in the Canadian territories.
Vancouver Public Library
Address: 350 West Georgia Street, V6B 6B1 Vancouver, British Columbia
Phone Number: +1 604-331-3603
Website: Vancouver Public Library
7. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress was completed in 1897 and is the largest library in the whole world - both in terms of number of books and shelf space. They have several beautifully structured buildings that feature intricate interiors. When you visit the Library of Congress, go to the Thomas Jefferson building which is the oldest federal institution and the most beautiful. And don’t forget to stay a couple of hours to read!
Library of Congress
Address: 101 Independence Ave SE, 20540 Washington, District of Columbia
Phone Number: +1 202-707-5000
Website: Library of Congress
8. National Library of Bhutan
Established in 1967, this institution of learning is home to over 6000 Bhutanese and Tibetan books. If you like Buddhism literature, National Library of Bhutan is the place to be, and has a massive collection of historic books and traditional manuscripts. This building serves as a temple as well, as the structures and historic photos are meant to represent Buddha’s teachings.
National Library of Bhutan
Address: PO Box 185, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Phone Number: +975 02-333301
Website: National Library of Bhutan
9. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
By far one of the coolest libraries in the world, Bibliotheca Alexandrina reopened its gates in 2002. The original one was ruined more than 1500 years ago. Shaped like a disc, the reading room faces the sea. You’ll also find letters and characters from different languages within this strikingly beautiful building. Apart from that, the library also houses four museums, academic centers, and a planetarium. You can even educate yourself about Egypt’s heritage via multimedia presentations.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Address: Al Azaritah WA Ash Shatebi, Qesm Bab Sharqi, Alexandria Governorate 21526, Egypt
Phone Number: +20 3-4839999
Website: Bibliotheca Alexandrina
10. Bodleian Library in Oxford University
Remember the library that featured in the Harry Potter movies? That’s Bodleian Library in Oxford, England! This library isn’t only popular with movies - kings, scholars, prime ministers, and even Nobel winners studied here. The ambiance is perfect for thumbing through some old favorites or picking up a new one.
Bodleian Library
Address: Broad Street, OX1 3 Oxford, Oxfordshire
Phone Number: +44 1865-277000
Website: Bodleian Library
Calling out to the reader in you
The world is your oyster! The best part, for a book lover, is getting to reach the books of a new city, along with the sights. If these exceptional buildings, housing thousands of books, appeal to the reader in you, pack your bags and start visiting. With so many choices and a cozy reading room, who would not be happy? So, happy reading!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to