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Discover These 15 Enchanting Libraries Sure to Thrill Any Book Lover


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Wall-to-wall books tell an interior design story without saying a word

Text by Tracy Scott Forson

Stuttgart City Library

The purpose of libraries is to archive and store books, but with ceiling-to-floor shelving of often colorful volumes, they sometimes turn out to be works of art themselves. That’s not to mention those libraries with actual paintings covering the walls or sculptures filling grand halls. The books are only one of many reasons to visit these dependable depositories.

Around since the seventh century B.C.E., libraries continue to pop up in countries, states, counties, cities and small communities all over the world, evolving to fulfill the needs of their neighbors, while protecting and preserving the past and present, and looking toward the future. Take a look.

Teylers Museum library
A beam of light illuminates the striking woodwork, distinct railing and ornate architectural details of the Teylers Museum library in the Netherlands. There are books there, too! Jaap de Raat, Netherlands, 2010
main library at the University of California, San Diego
The architecturally stunning main library at the University of California, San Diego, is named in honor of one of the world’s most popular and best-selling authors, Theodor Geisel, who used the pen name Dr. Seuss. James McDonnell, California, 2020
Strahov Library in Prague
If visitors’ eyes tire of staring at the many words of books at the Strahov Library in Prague, they can gaze upward at the ornate ceiling where works of art have distracted readers for centuries. Thomas Arnhold, Czech Republic, 2023
Canada Water Library in London
Lots of wood, but not many books, grace the walls and spiral staircase of the public Canada Water Library in London. Zhenhuan Zhou, England, 2023
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Inside the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, an incredible library with a magical light-dappled environment awaits. Clerio Back, Netherlands, 2023
Library of Celsus in ancient Ephesus
There aren’t any books to be checked out at what remains of the Library of Celsus in ancient Ephesus, where more than 12,000 scrolls were once housed, but it still attracts plenty of tourists and readers.Pierre Lorillard, Turkey, 2023
old library in the Biltmore Mansion
Rows and rows of books line the shelves of a beautiful old library in the Biltmore Mansion. Brad Balfour, North Carolina, 2022
Morgan Library & Museum
Now known as the Morgan Library & Museum, this Manhattan venue, with its three-story inlaid walnut bookshelves, began as the personal library of financier, collector and cultural benefactor J. Pierpont Morgan. Kayley To, New York, 2022
The Malatestiana Library in Cesena
The Malatestiana Library in Cesena, lined with reading desks, was built in the 15th century and still functions as a public library today. Lorenzo Terraneo, Italy, 2020
The National Library of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro
The National Library of Brazil in Rio de Janeiro holds much about the country’s culture and heritage. It is one of the largest national libraries in the world and the largest in Latin America. Duo P, Brazil, 2019
public library of Spijkenisse
In the city of Spijkenisse, the public library is called the “Book Mountain.” Climbing gear may not be helpful, but a ladder might be useful. Peter van Haastrecht, Netherlands, 2018
University of Washington’s Suzzallo Library
The many colorful books at the University of Washington’s Suzzallo Library in Seattle are illuminated with overhead lighting, creating a kaleidoscope of colors. Yatharth Gupta, Washington, 2011
Library of Congress
When visiting the Library of Congress, don’t forget to look up to view the ornate, colorful ceiling in its Great Hall. Attila R. Kovacs, Washington, D.C., 2020
The library at Trinity College Dublin
The library at Trinity College Dublin features busts of great philosophers, writers and men who supported the college, including the clergyman Patrick Delany. Michael McRuiz, Ireland, 2019

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/book-lovers-can-explore-these-15-enchanting-libraries-180986213/