Libraries evoke feelings of education, knowledge, quiet, study, art and solitude. Certain amazing libraries convey a sense of reverence, age, repository, old-world, awe, wonder and sacred. Libraries are also of course shelves filled with books, lots of books!
Whether you’re a reader or not, libraries have something to offer just about everyone. Love getting lost in a great book, escaping the grind, or just exploring something new, libraries have much to offer. Getting lost in a book, getting lost in great architecture, getting lost just for the sake of it.
When planning travel and places to visit and explore, we typically think of museums, castles, cathedrals, monuments and districts or neighborhoods. We do not plan to visit these libraries! After seeing pictures of a handful of amazing libraries this thinking might change. These are probably not like your neighborhood municipal library, though some might be!
There are remarkable libraries around the world. The following pictures are of just a handful of visit-worthy libraries. Wondrous architecture and design make them all deserving of being added to any travel itinerary. All are different and represent different architectural styles, influences and uniqueness. From the ancient to the modern, each has something to offer.
Famous and beautiful libraries can be found around the world, offering far more than shelves of books. They inspire us, spark the imagination, bring words and ideas to life, and encourage us to explore more of what the world has to offer.
The pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy!
Abbey Library of Saint Gall Gallen, Switzerland
Law Library in the Town Hall Munich, Germany
Trinity College Library Dublin, Ireland
Jondishapour Library Tehran, Iran
Strahov Library Prague, Czechia
Library of the Binnenhof The Hague, Netherlands
Royal Library of El Escorial El Escorial Spain
Admont Abbey Library Admont, Austria
The New York Public Library New York, United States
Melk Abbey Library Melk, Austria
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Library of Parliament Ottawa, Canada
Klementinum Baroque Library Prague, Czechia
Image Credits:
- Abbey Library of Saint Gall: www.mickeyshannon.com
- Admont Abbey Library: www.stiftadmont.at
- Jondishapour Library: www.iranmall.com
- Klementinum Baroque Library: www.prague.eu
- Law Library in the Town Hall: www.muenchner-stadtbibliothek.de
- Library of Parliament: www.beboots.livejournal.com
- Library of the Binnenhof: www.commons.wikimedia.org
- Melk Abbey Library: www.commons.wikimedia.org
- Royal Library of El Escorial: www.patrimonionacional.es
- Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading: www.strongsenseofplace.com
- Strahov Library: www.prague.eu
- The New York Public Library: www.wcsa.world
- Trinity College Library: www.worldhistory.org