Coventry University Learning Centre – Coventry, UK
This library is open to all students enrolled on a Coventry University course, and can accommodate 1000 students at a time – lucky them to have such a fantastic, modern and resourceful library! The University has proven that student centres don’t have to look old and boring – they can be modern and fun, perfect for inspiring and motivating students.
Trinity College Library – Dublin, Ireland
Trinity College Library is the largest library in Ireland. It was established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592, and is famous for graduates such as Wilde and Beckett. There are plenty of attractions to come and see, including one of the last remaining copies of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, the Trinity College Harp and the Book of Kells.
Conarte Library – Monterrey, Mexico
This is a truly modern library. The cultural venue, Conarte, approached Anagrama to build a unique reading space within their library, which would “give value to the experience of reading”. The timber design literally engulfs and wraps around the reader, with the shelves simulating a large dome. It is a tranquil environment, detaching any reader from the outside world, allowing them to get completely lost in a book.
Municipal Law Library – Munich
This is by far one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, located on the third floor within the Munich’s Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). The library resembles a bright, warm forest with a spiraling staircase rendered as vines and leaves, with the light fixtures repeating the same motif. The only downfall is that it is filled with law books – however, the architecture of the city hall and the design within the library is not to be faltered!
Magdalen College Old Library – Oxford, UK
The Old Library is medieval, and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. It is one of four specialist libraries at Magdalen College, containing a early printed and manuscript book collection. The gargoyles at Magdalen College also supposedly inspired C.S. Lewis’ stone statues in The Chronicles of Narnia!
Hershey Public Library – Pennsylvania
A very community based library, loaning and selling books, showing movies, displaying art of the Hershey community, involved in the Farmer’s Market, and also the meeting place of an abundance of groups which are open to new members. There really is something for everybody at Hershey Public Library!
Linderman Library – Pennsylvania
Linderman Library houses books and journals in the humanities and Lehigh’s impressive collection of rare books including Darwin’s Origin of Species and James John Audubon’s four volume elephant folio edition of Birds of America. Twelve digital library projects highlight various aspects of the collection, ranging from “Digital Bridges” (books on 19th century bridge construction) to “Beyond Steel” (materials examining the social and cultural impact of the Lehigh Valley’s industrial past).
Library Hall, Klementinum – Prague
The Klementinum is a historic complex of building in Prague, and the fascinating building is home to the beautiful Baroque library hall. Coincidentally, the Klementium covers over 20,000 square meters, and the library holds more than 20,000 volumes – the context of which is mostly foreign theological literature. The library was founded in 1722, with the interior still intact, the building really is a journey through history!
New York Public Library – New York
The New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) lies alongside the beautiful Bryant Park, which in spring is full of pretty blossom trees, creating the perfect setting for a peaceful library. This library is a huge and stunning marble building with pillars and a decorative front.
The Theological Hall of Strahov Library – Prague
Located nearby Prague Castle is Strahov Monastery, consisting of two beautiful library halls, one of which comprises the Theological Hall. The name derives from the fact that the library is filled with many editions of the Bible, or different parts of the Bible in varying languages. The Hall is beautiful, filled with over 18,000 volumes, several vast globes and stunning murals – it really is breath taking!
Central Library – Stockholm
Designed by Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund, the Central Library is one of Sweden’s most notable structures. The library contains over 2 million volumes, more than 2.4 audio tapes, CDs and audio books, and caters to more than 100 languages. It is a perfect study/work environment, and also offers many activities for small children and parents!
Abbey Library of St Gall – Switzerland
Attached to the beautiful Baroque Cathedral, this library, founded in 719, is one of the oldest, and most beautiful libraries in the world. The library is an amazing experience for any book, history or art fanatic. It is also home to the fascinating 2,700 year old Egyptian mummy Shepenese, and the earliest-known architectural plan drawn on parchment.
San Antonio Public Library – Texas
San Antonio Public Library is a huge and welcoming library located in Texas. If the building isn’t enough to entice you in, then the vast selection of books surely will!
Tama Art University Library – Tokyo
We don’t think we have ever seen anything more modern, and simplistically beautiful as Tama Art University Library. It is clear to see why the beautiful architecture is home to a university library dedicated to art.
Library of Birmingham – UK
This state of the art library is located in the heart of Birmingham, and it is home to a number of nationally and internationally significant collections. It’s full of great features, including the gardens on the upper floors and the Shakespeare Room!
Stratford-Upon-Avon Public Library – UK
Stratford-Upon-Avon Public Library is situated near to the house that William Shakespeare was born and grew up in and is a modern library wrapped in the beauty of an old building.
Laramie County Library – Wyoming
Laramie County Library, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming was completed in 2008 and won 1st place for U.S. libraries that same year; an accomplishment which was unprecedented. It is more than a library; it is a community hub.
