Let these libraries inspire your reading, and appreciation for art and architecture, this World Book Day …
Trinity College Library, Dublin
Designed by Thomas Burgh, this iconic library is home to the Long Room and the famous Book of Kells. The guardian of literary heritage, it’s the site of preservation for some of the world’s most important texts, including a vast collection of rare manuscripts. @trinitycollegedublin
SEE MORE: A Stay At Trinity College Dublin
The Maughan Library, King’s College London
Built in the early nineteenth century, originally as the repository of the Public Records Office, this is the largest new university library in the UK since WWII. It features a medieval chapel now known as the Weston Room, with stained-glass windows and a mosaic floor.
The Richelieu Louvois Library, Bibliothèque National de France, Paris
Designed by Henri Labrouste, this library first opened to the public in 1868. Known for its immense and kaleidoscopic oval reading room, it houses manuscripts, and a collection of Greek and Roman pottery. @labnf
Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense, Via Brera, 28, Milan
Inaugurated around 1700, this public library is set beside the Pinacoteca and Academia. A library of national relevance for two centuries, everything that is published in the Milan area is catalogued and stored here. @braidense.biblioteca
Library building in Fiolstræde, University of Copenhagen
Founded in 1482, this is the main research library of the University of Copenhagen, and is the oldest library in Denmark. Since 1989, it has been part of the Royal Library of Denmark. @university_of_copenhagen
Strahov Monastery Library, Prague, Czech Republic
The Philosophical Hall is perhaps the most breathtaking fusion of books, art, and history. Renowned for its Baroque architecture and exquisite ceiling frescoes, this hall is home to an extensive collection of medieval manuscripts, and is a symbol of the monastic tradition.
Helsinki Central Library Oodi, Helsinki, Finland
Designed by ALA Architects, this wave-like structure is situated in the Kluuvi district, close to Helsinki Central Station, and next to Helsinki Music Centre and Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art. It’s a hub for workshops, movie screenings, and includes a café. @oodihelsinki
Deichman Main Library, Oslo, Norway
Designed by Lund Hagem and Atelier Oslo, this innovative design features a cantilevered upper floor and a dynamic, open layout. It first opened in 1785, and is the country’s first and largest library. @deichmanbjorvika
Philological Library, Berlin, Germany
Designed by internationally renowned architect Lord Norman Foster, Baron Foster of Thames Bank, this library is nicknamed “The Brain” due to its curvilinear design. It has become the centerpiece of the Free University of Berlin.
The Morgan Library and Museum, New York, USA
Completed in 1906 as the private library of financier JP Morgan, it was made a public institution in 1924 by his son, John Pierpont Morgan Jr, in accordance with his father’s will. Here, you’ll find a blend of Renaissance and Classical Revival styles, with rare collections and artworks. @themorganlibrary
Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea
Located in the world’s largest underground shopping centre, expect towering bookshelves, but contrary to popular belief, not all of the books on display are real! Books on higher shelves or on shelves that cannot be reached are decorative. @starfield.library
This five-level library with floor-to-ceiling, terraced bookshelves, nicknamed “The Eye” due to its spherical auditorium and cascading bookshelves, is part of the Binhai Cultural Centre. Said to hold over one million books, it’s a symbol of cultural and technological advancement. @mvrdv
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt
Designed by Norwegian firm Snøhetta, the tilted disc shape and intricate facade symbolises the sun rising over the Mediterranean. It’s a commemoration of the Library of Alexandria, once one of the largest libraries worldwide, which was lost in antiquity. @bibalexofficial
SEE MORE: 9 New Books To Read This Month
