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18 libraries every book-lover should visit in their lifetime

From Baroque masterpieces to stark timber and glass structures — these incredible buildings are certain to distract you from whatever you’re reading.

IF YOU LOVE books, libraries are some of the most spectacular buildings in the world.

To celebrate these monumentally important buildings, we’ve complied a list of the most magnificent libraries on the planet.

From a library hidden in the forests of Beijing to one in Egypt that was designed like a sundial, these are the libraries that all book lovers should visit in their lifetime.

1. The Admont Library in Admont, Austria

Located in the foothills of the Alps, this beautiful library is the second largest monastery library in the world. The library hall was designed in the late Baroque style by the architect Joseph Hueber in 1776 with a nearly 230-foot-long hall that contains 200,000 volumes.

The ceilings were painted by Bartolomeo Altomonte and show the stages of human knowledge, up to the high point of Divine Revelation.

Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons Jorge Royan / Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

2. George Peabody Library in Baltimore, Maryland, USA

The Peabody Library was funded by the the philanthropist George Peabody. Peabody built the library as a gift to the citizens of Baltimore for their kindness and hospitality.

Designed by 19th-century architect Edmund Lind, Peabody is known for its interior that has a soaring atrium. The five stories of cast-iron balconies are filled to the brim with books, and the skylight roof showers the library in natural light.

Flickr / Matthew Petroff Flickr / Matthew Petroff / Matthew Petroff

3. The Royal Library Of Copenhagen in Copenhagen, Denmark

Completed in 1999, the ‘Black Diamond’ was built as an extension to the national library of Denmark. The neo-modern library gets its name from its polished black granite and irregular angles.

The library’s harsh exterior is interrupted by an atrium made from only glass. This glass atrium makes the interior of the building an incredible space that is full of light and views of the water, which makes for a really gorgeous reading environment.

Flickr / Simon Lam Flickr / Simon Lam / Simon Lam

4. Musashino Art University Library in Tokyo, Japan

Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto designed the library to be the simplest library in the world, made from only bookcases and a glass exterior. The 20-foot high walls are made from bookshelves, and are only interrupted by bridge-like reading areas.

Fujimoto tells arcspace that the only things you need to make a library are “books, shelves, light, and beautiful places.”

Flickr / yoxito Flickr / yoxito / yoxito

5. Boston Public Library in Boston, Massachusetts, USA

The Boston Public Library contains roughly 23 million items, making it the second-largest public library in the US. The library is known for its incredible courtyard, Italian-inspired architecture, entrance atrium, and its quintessential library reading room: Bates Hall.

The Bates Hall of the library is named after Joshua Bates, the library’s first benefactor. In 1852, Bates agree to donate a large sum to the building of the library with a few conditions: that the building would be an ornament to the city and that it be perfectly free for everyone.

Flickr / Xynn Tii Flickr / Xynn Tii / Xynn Tii

6. Stuttgart City Library in Stuttgart, Germany

This cube-shaped, nine-story library takes its design from the Pantheon of ancient Rome, according to Designboom.

The aim of the library was to create a continuum inside of the room, so the entire room is painted in uniform pure-white. The only colour in the building comes from the books themselves.

Flickr / jwltr freiburg Flickr / jwltr freiburg / jwltr freiburg

7. José Vasconcelos Library in Mexico City, Mexico

Designed by architect Alberto Kalach, the library is a concrete and glass structure. The bookshelves look as if they are hovering in midair, and a giant whale skeleton hangs in the center of the library.

The library is named after José Vasconcelos, who was a philosopher and politician. Vasconcelos was an important cultural figure in Mexico and an active promoter of reading.

Fickr / LWYang Fickr / LWYang / LWYang

8. Liyuan Library in Beijing, China

Located in a small village outside of Beijing, the single-story library blends into its forest surroundings. The library is made from timber beams and its exterior is covered in sticks, according to dezeen. The light of the library comes from the cracks in the twig frame.

The building may be covered in firewood but it has a very advanced integrated cooling system that draws in cold air from the lake it sits on. The library is also completely eco-friendly and made from all recyclable material.

Plus, it looks like an incredibly cosy place to sit and read a book.

Flickr / Forgemind ArchiMedia Flickr / Forgemind ArchiMedia / Forgemind ArchiMedia

9. Vennesla Library and Cultural Centre in Vennesla, Norway

This library in Norway is made of a series of arcs, or “ribs,” that support the roof. The concept of the building comes from the ribs of a whale skeleton.

”In this project, we developed a rib concept to create usable hybrid structures that combine a timber construction with all technical devices and the interior,” architects Helen & Hard told ArchDaily.

10. Beinecke Rare Book Library in New Haven, Connecticut, USA

The Beineck Rare Book & Manuscript Library is the literary archive of the Yale University Library, and is the largest building in the world devoted to the preservation of rare books and documents. The entire library is shaped around the massive display in the center.

The library’s building is iconic because of its incredible Vermont marble, granite, bronze, and glass ‘windows’ that were designed to filter in enough light so that rare materials can be displayed without damage, according to ArchDaily. From the outside, the building looks as if it is completely solid.

The Beineck’s vast collection includes a Gutenberg Bible.

11. Alexandria Library in Alexandria, Egypt

The original library of Alexandria was established in the third century B.C., and was one of largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world. When it was destroyed in the third century A.D., there were countless scrolls and books that were lost.

The new library of Alexandria was built in 2002 to pay homage to the openness of the original library. Built by Snøhetta architects, the building is designed like a sundial and tilts towards the Mediterranean Sea.

12. Central Library in Seattle, Washington, USA

First opened in 2004, the 11-story glass and steel building in downtown Seattle was designed to be a reinvention of the traditional library. The contemporary building is not only a space dedicated to books, but is also an access point for all forms of media.

Designed by Rem Koolhass, the building combines “futuristic lines with the functionality of a library.” The interior of the building is notable for its large public spaces and natural light.

Flickr / _bclay Flickr / _bclay / _bclay

13. Trinity College library in … well, here.

Famed for its ‘Long Room,’ the library of Trinity College library is home to the largest collection of books in the country.

The over 200-foot-long main room is covered in marble and dark wood pilasters. When it was first completed, the ‘Long Room’ had a flat ceiling, but the roof was raised to accommodate more books.

Flickr / nymo59 Flickr / nymo59 / nymo59

 14. Sir Duncan Rice Library in Aberdeen, United Kingdom

The Sir Duncan Rice Library is the new library of the University of Aberdeen. The library incorporates 21st-century design, and has a huge spiraling atrium in its center.

The library gained a lot of attention for the range of sustainable features that were included in its design. The spiraling atrium lights up all eight floors — the building also has photovoltaic cells on its roof to convert the energy of light directly into electricity.

Flickr / kaysgeog Flickr / kaysgeog / kaysgeog

15. Sainte-Geneviève Library in Paris, France

The Sainte-Geneviève library is the main research and reference library for the students of the University of Paris.

Constructed in the mid-19th century by the famed architect Henri Labrouste, the library is well-known for its cast iron column reading room. The MoMA even described the library as a “temple of knowledge and a space for contemplation”.

Wikipedia Wikipedia

16. New York Public Library in New York, New York, USA

The New York Public Library has nearly 53 million items, and is the third largest library in the world. The incredible Beaux-Arts landmark was one of the largest marble structures in the US when it was built.

The Rose Main Reading Room of the library stretches nearly two city blocks. The reading room measures 297 feet long by 87 feet wide, and has 42 long oak tables for visitors to sit in.

Flickr / Alex Proimos Flickr / Alex Proimos / Alex Proimos

17. Kanazawa Umimirai Library in Kanazawa City, Japan

This three-story library in Japan is designed like a “cake box,” with large white hole-punched windows that light up the space. The library is meant to be a tranquil room, and the “punching walls” are meant to make it look like a forest of books.

“This environment would allow users to experience the joy of reading while surrounded by a treasure trove of books with a overwhelming physical presence, something that the convenience of electronic and digital books cannot offer,” the architects told ArchDaily.

Flickr / Forgemind ArchiMedia Flickr / Forgemind ArchiMedia / Forgemind ArchiMedia

18. Royal Portuguese Reading Room in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Built in the 19th century, this gorgeous rooms is home to over 350,000 works — and the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal.

The library is known for its Neo-Manueline design, which “evokes the Gothic-Renaissance style that flourished during the time of the Portuguese Discoveries,” according to My Modern Met.

The room is completely covered in books, many of them rare works dating back to the 16th century. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who loves to be surrounded by beautiful books.

Flickr / Mathieu Bertrand Struck Flickr / Mathieu Bertrand Struck / Mathieu Bertrand Struck

— Asta Thrastardottir

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    Mute The Throwaway
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    Jan 11th 2015, 4:42 PM

    Cmon…I read this on Reddit on Jan 1st.

    http://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/2r0brw/18_libraries_every_book_lover_should_visit_in/

    And that in turn was linking the original article posted the same date:

    http://uk.businessinsider.com/18-of-the-worlds-greatest-libraries-2014-12?r=US

    At least Reddit linked and credited the original article.
    If I did this kind of work in University it’d be called plagiarism. If I passed that off at a newspaper without crediting sources id be leaving the paper open to been sued.

    I hate seeing this kind of article on the journal where there’s no original credit given and it’s passed off as though it’s a Journal.ie article. Give credit where it’s due, whatever else about lazy journalism, give credit where it’s rightfully due.

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    Mute Gareth Fletcher
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    Jan 11th 2015, 4:48 PM

    It says business insider where the authors name usually appears.

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    Mute The Throwaway
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    Jan 11th 2015, 7:21 PM

    Good to see the new correction.

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    Mute Sarah Hempenstall
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:00 PM

    Having tried to work in the Duncan Rice Library in Aberdeen I can tell you now, however pretty it may look, it is a nightmare from a practical standpoint.

    Firstly, the ground floor has a cafe and that charming central feature acts as a chimney for the noise-imagine trying to work/study listening to people pushing through doors, baristas beating coffee out of the metal holders and people yakking away.

    Also, to give it a comfortable feel, they have included low coffee style tables on each floor rather than the more austere study desks. I wished they’d just put in a load of boring study desks. People treat it as a meeting point and chat away.

    Maybe they’ve made changes since I left, but I thought the building was a vanity project and unfit for purpose. The UCD James Joyce library was fairly ugly,overcrowded and had too few computers but if you found a desk it was easy to study. And it had Librocop, something that outperforms any faffy architechtural feature.

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    Mute Pokey2013
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    Jan 11th 2015, 6:13 PM

    There’s only one Librocop and UCD were/are very lucky to have him! “Sorry lads, where are you coming from?, how many books have you read today already? Sorry, not tonight!”

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    Stef
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    Mute Stef
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    Jan 11th 2015, 4:47 PM

    The long room in trinity is a bit of a non runner there. You can’t actually read any of the books, your not even allowed in with your camera! (The last time I was there anyway.)

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    Mute Ryan Ó Giobúin
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:34 PM

    I think you can use a camera, just no flash. It’s a university library, so only students get to actually access the books.

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    Mute Melanie Dunne
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    Jan 11th 2015, 6:20 PM

    Don’t forget marsh’s library beside st Patricks cathedral! Hidden gem in the centre if the city!

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    Mute Sean J. Troy
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:14 PM

    Nah, Tallaght library is the best. Followed closely by Lucan library.

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    Mute Joanna
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    Jan 11th 2015, 4:49 PM

    The first one looks like the library from Beauty and the Beast.

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    Mute Adam Higgins
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:13 PM

    Wasn’t this in Time or one of those sights a couple of weeks ago?

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    Mute Eugene Walsh
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:26 PM

    Jeez what’s the big bif where it was published first. It’s a compilation article.
    It’s like saying rte news first headline was the economy but it was third headline on TV 3, so I’ve seen and heard it already.
    Online news sourcing and apps are a personal choice and can take you anywhere at the same time.
    Comparing and contrasting is electronic worming! !

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    Mute Gary Gary
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    Jan 11th 2015, 4:49 PM

    Fantastic

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    Mute Mark Raleigh
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:47 PM

    That article was a bit of a read

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    Mute Keith Tracey
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:45 PM

    Should have arsenal stadium up there

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    Mute Eóin Ó Briain
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    Jan 11th 2015, 9:37 PM

    Manchester reopened their library last year and its pretty impressive

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    Mute Big Yellow Crane
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    Jan 12th 2015, 2:23 PM

    Is the theatre back downstairs yet? I did all the study for my professional exams at the Manchester Central Library. Looks great but the round design is a bit of an echo chamber. I’ll have to go back. The John Rylance library’s worth a visit for people who like libraries.

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    Mute Big Yellow Crane
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    Jan 12th 2015, 5:59 PM

    John Rylands that should be

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    Mute Eoghan Dunne
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    Jan 11th 2015, 8:16 PM

    The Mackintosh library in Glasgow would have made this list had it not burned down last year. Such a pity :( https://gsalibrarytreasures.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mack1.jpg

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    Mute Padhraicin NiChonorm
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    Jan 11th 2015, 5:57 PM

    Linenhall Library Belfast

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    Mute Dave Tett
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    Jan 17th 2015, 6:27 PM

    This list is not complete as the National Library of Vienna is not mentioned. That’s one of the most beautiful and amazing libraries in the world in my opinion. Good list otherwise

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    Mute Emma Galvin
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    Jan 12th 2015, 12:29 AM

    The library in the art college in GMIT is so beautiful, it’s small but it’s perfect!

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    Mute Gav K
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    Jan 12th 2015, 12:03 AM

    South Dublin library mobile wins it every time.

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    Mute Sandra Lee Warn
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    Jan 13th 2015, 3:01 AM

    I find it difficult to believe that the library of Trinity College library has the largest collection of books in the country.
    What about the Library of Congress, which has a copy of every book ever published here?

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