Discover the Most Stunning Libraries Worldwide

I would traverse the globe just for the sake of a library. It's not because I'm deeply engaged in academic pursuits—I'm far from being an academic. I'm simply a book lover, fascinated by architecture and captivated by intriguing histories, all of which libraries embody. They are some of the most remarkable and visually striking structures we create. Inside, they house beautiful creations of human thought. Additionally, they serve as windows into their communities, hosting events, lectures, neighborhood meetings, film screenings, and celebrations. I once visited one in Manchester, England, that featured a vinyl listening club, another in Halifax with a recording studio and an instrument lending service, and a library in Beacon, New York, offering a “library of things” where you can borrow gardening tools and GoPro cameras. I also had an eye-opening tour of a library in Nairobi, originally established by colonizers exclusively for white patrons, which is now being revitalized by a nonprofit representing the local community. The activities that unfold within a library speak volumes about the local people and the places they inhabit.

So whether you find yourself extolling the virtues of a public library like I do, are eager to admire breathtaking architecture and rich history, or simply need a tranquil space (often equipped with free Wi-Fi) to recharge during a busy day of exploring, consider adding libraries to your Google Maps lists. Here are some of the most beautiful libraries across the globe, as recommended by our team.

Calgary Central Library

• Location: Calgary, Canada

The Calgary Central Library may very well be my favorite structure in all of Canada. Designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, the building's shape mimics the Chinook cloud formations characteristic of this region of the Canadian prairie. Inside, you'll find a mesmerizing array of western red cedar slats that spiral toward a vast skylight, complemented by a geometric facade resembling snowflakes. Children are often captivated by the Bookscalator, a conveyor belt that transports returned books for sorting, and there's a Short Story Dispenser that prints stories like receipts—just select whether you want a one, three, or five-minute read. On the fourth floor, one of the most unique features I've encountered in any library awaits: an Elders’ Guidance Circle, where local Indigenous Canadians can meet with elders or knowledge keepers to discuss culture, engage with traditional artifacts, or learn languages from the Treaty 7 (Southern Alberta) region. —Nicholas DeRenzo

Biblioteca Virgilio Barco

• Location: Bogotá, Colombia

Biblioteca Virgilio Barco, opened in 2001, is a spectacular public space situated in Bogotá. Nestled in the heart of Colombia's capital, it's adjacent to the city's largest public park, the breathtaking and community-oriented Parque Simón Bolívar. Every detail of Biblioteca Virgilio Barco, including the furnishings, was crafted by the visionary architect Rogelio Salmona. Each month, around 65,000 visitors traverse the library's sunlit, tiered semi-circular interior. The exterior showcases a blend of brick and concrete, with edges that frame stepped pools and a garden terrace perfect for outdoor reading. One rounded side offers views of the city's iconic cerros orientales (Eastern hills). The library embodies both intimacy and expansiveness, much like the experience of reading itself. —Scott Hocker

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

• Location: Helsinki, Finland

Renowned for their cheerful disposition, love for the outdoors, and coffee, Finns are also avid readers, boasting a remarkable 100 percent literacy rate. It’s no surprise that central Helsinki features an impressive library, Oodi (Finnish for “ode”), which even houses living trees inside and a dedicated “nerd loft.” Inaugurated in 2018, this curvy structure of glass, steel, and wood is designed with energy efficiency in mind. The ground floor includes event spaces, the Kino Regina cinema showcasing films both classic and contemporary, and a café; the second floor features soundproof music studios, gaming areas, and workstations equipped for electronics (with soldering irons and tin), laser cutting, printing, and sewing. The third floor, affectionately dubbed Book Heaven, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor seating, and nine indoor trees. —Pat Tompkins

Manchester Central Library

• Location: Manchester, England

While Manchester is often celebrated for its rich musical heritage (think New Order, Stone Roses, and Oasis), it has also been a university city for centuries, boasting a wealth of beautiful and historically significant libraries. Here lies the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world: Chetham’s, established in 1653 within a former monastery dating back to 1421, and it’s open for tours. The neo-Gothic John Rylands Library resembles a scene from Harry Potter and was founded by a woman in 1900—how impressive is that? Visitors can enjoy rotating exhibits and explore its cathedral-like spaces. For those seeking a traditional public library experience, the main Manchester Central Library is a must-visit. Opened in 1930 and inspired by the Pantheon, this library is far from outdated, hosting regular music, art, and literature events, with amenities like a foosball table on one floor and a vinyl listening club on another. —Billie Cohen

Zurich Law Library

• Location: Zurich, Switzerland

At first glance, the law library at the University of Zurich appears quite ordinary: a large rectangular structure that first opened its doors in 1909, with little change since then. However, stepping inside reveals a transformation, thanks to the redesign by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava in 2004—known for his impressive works such as New York City’s Oculus at the World Trade Center and the Milwaukee Art Museum’s magnificent ribbed extension. Entering the atrium, you find yourself surrounded by an oval expanse and gaze upwards at six seemingly floating, oval levels adorned with light wood and white walls, all topped by a glass oval skylight dome. Each level features study desks that wrap around the atrium, welcoming all visitors, not just students. My advice? Take a ride on the glass elevator a few times; it’s positioned at the center of the oval, offering a delightful, disorienting sensation as you ascend and watch the striped floors whiz by. —BC

New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

• Location: New York City

This library's iconic lion statues have graced numerous films over the years, including The Wiz, Ghostbusters, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, drawing throngs of tourists eager to explore its magnificent halls. In the summer, its grand front steps transform into a vibrant community gathering space, while in winter, it boasts a majestic Christmas tree and wreaths adorning the necks of Patience and Fortitude (the lions, yes, have names). However, for the locals, this stunning Beaux-Arts masterpiece from 1911—the flagship location of the expansive New York Public Library system on Fifth Avenue—remains as approachable and inviting as any neighborhood library. A dozen remarkable rooms await, each more impressive than the last, ready for study, reading, research, or computer work. I've spent countless hours typing away on my laptop in several of them, though some areas are reserved for specialized academic purposes.

Throughout the library, elegant marble staircases and corridors are highlighted by elaborate ceiling panels and inscribed mottos, leading to treasures like the DeWitt Wallace Periodical Room, adorned with wall murals depicting New York’s iconic newspaper buildings, and the map division room, which houses both historical maps of the world and city blocks.

The majority of visitors are drawn to the expansive Rose Reading Room on the top floor, a space that exudes both the openness of an airy courtyard and the warm grandeur of a university. Stretching the length of two city blocks, the room features murals of rose-hued clouds by James Wall Finn, making the soaring 52-foot ceilings resemble portals to a fantastical world found only in storybooks. The atmosphere feels almost sacred, and patrons treat it with reverence. Camera-wielding tourists can enter for just one hour each day or through a few 15-minute (free) tours; for the rest of the time, access is restricted to those genuinely wishing to sit and work quietly. Nevertheless, anyone can bring a book or laptop and spend time here. When you're ready for a breather, don’t miss the “Treasures” exhibit, featuring the original Winnie-the-Pooh stuffed animals, or take advantage of the free tours available for the exhibition or the entire building. —BC