Like any good nerd, I LOVE a library. What’s not to love about rows and rows of leather-bound books, a sense of rich history and dramatic architecture? If you’re one of those people who read about the Hogwarts Library in Harry Potter a few too many times – or you just clicked on this article – then you’re clearly a library lover, too. So, in honour of books and their comfy little homes, I’ve rounded up a list of the best libraries around the world that every book-worm needs to visit. Check them out and be sure to add a few to your travel bucket list…
1. Real Gabinete Português De Leitura, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading is one of those historic libraries that’s so charming, you just don’t know quite what to do with yourself. How can something so quaint and majestic be real?! Built in 1837, the library is filled with more than 350,000 books and is home to the largest collection of Portuguese works outside of Portugal.
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2. Stockholm Public Library, Stockholm, Sweden
A classic and clean library designed by Swedish architect, Gunnar Asplund, in the Nordic Classicism style. With more than two million volumes, the library is a treasure trove for nerds exploring the Swedish capital.
Image source:Haut Risque / Unsplash
3. Green Square Library and Plaza, Sydney, Australia
In the inner-west of Sydney, Australia, the Green Square Library is an underground library in an urban setting. Architect Stewart Hollenstein won a global competition to design the modern building, which features 40 skylights, a subterranean garden and a six-storey glass tower emerging from the plaza. You know, just casually. You might recognise the library for its rows upon rows of colour-coded books, with photos of the soothing line-up making the rounds on Instagram and Pinterest recently.
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4. Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense (AKA Biblioteca di Brera), Milan, Italy
The Braidense National Library was created by Holy Roman Empress Maria Theresa in 1770. It’s one of the largest libraries in Italy, and a tourist hot spot famed for its vast collection of works – more than 890,000 volumes! Nearby, you’ll find the Brera Art Gallery, Astronomical Observatory, Botanical Gardens, Academy of Fine Arts and the Lombard Institute of Science and Letters. Bliss.
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5. Bodleian Library, Oxford, England
As close to Harry Potter as you can get without walking through a brick wall at King’s Cross Station – and that’s for all my Hufflepuffs out there. But, really, Warner Bros actually filmed scenes for the franchise at the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, and it’s not hard to see why. With stunning gothic architecture and 13 million glorious books, this place is steeped in magic.
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6. Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China
In stark contrast to the old-school style of Bodleian is the modern paradise of Tianjin Binhai Library. Futuristic white bookshelves curve across the multiple levels of this MVRDV creation, even making their way into the ceiling to create a sea of books rippling through the building. A glowing sphere in the centre of the room adds to the other-worldly feel of the space, making it’s way into countless Instagram and Pinterest posts around the world.
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7. New York Public Library, New York, USA
This iconic library sits in the heart of Manhattan and is known for its grand halls and elegant reading rooms. Not to mention, it’s a pop-culture staple in movies and TV shows, ranging from Sex and the City to Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
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8. Library of Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
Home to one of the oldest and most famous books in the world, the Book of Kells and a copy of 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, Trinity College library is as historically significant as it is beautiful. Established in the 1500s, the beautiful building is filled with more than six million books and is considered one of the best libraries in the world. The Long Room, with 200,000 of the libraries oldest volumes, is the famed space you often see in photos.
Image source:J Samora on Unsplash
9. Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria, Egypt
A modern library and cultural centre sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina pays homage to the original ancient structure. The striking granite exterior features carvings of characters from 120 different human scripts, while the interiors are open with a sloping roof letting in the light through a multitude of skylights. In addition to the main reading room, which contains up to eight million books, there are four other specialised libraries and many more delights to uncover. This one definitely deserves a spot on the bucket list!
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10. George Peabody Library, Baltimore, USA
With a gorgeous light-filled atrium inspired by the Baroque, Rococo, and Greco-Roman styles, and shelf space for more than 300,000 books, this quaint library is a dream come true. Known as Baltimore’s ‘Cathedral of Books,’ the library has six levels, each with their own intricate cast-iron balconies. So cute!
Image source:Elijah Hail on Unplash
11. State Library of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
From the outside, the glass panels of the entrance appear modern. Inside, the Mortlock Wing of the State Library exists in its original condition from the 1800s. The mid-Victorian space boasts masonry columns, cast-iron brackets, balconies and a glass dome roof. It’s THE ultimate place to get lost in a tome. Happy reading, book nerds!
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