Incredible Libraries Worldwide That Every Book Enthusiast Must Experience

The world is filled with astonishing places to explore: from natural marvels like the Grand Canyon to ancient structures such as the Colosseum, and incredible buildings featuring towering observation decks. However, nestled within almost every city are libraries that can leave you speechless.

With the surge of "dark academia" and an increasing demand for accessible public spaces, libraries are experiencing a renaissance. Spending an afternoon surrounded by books is a perfect way to unwind, as elements like grand ceilings, historical designs, and gentle sunlight pouring through expansive windows can create a haven for book lovers.

Certain libraries are renowned landmarks in some of the greatest cities around the globe. Take, for example, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, which has been featured in countless photographs and films—it's likely you've seen it even if you've never visited New York.

Then there are libraries that exemplify cutting-edge design. The Vennesla Library in Norway, with its flowing, minimalist aesthetic, has garnered accolades for its contemporary architecture.

Some libraries evoke the grandeur of a royal palace, such as the aptly named Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Brazil, the Rampur Raza Library in India, and the Mafra National Palace Library in Portugal.

With a rich history ranging from centuries to just a few decades, libraries offer an enchanting stop on your travels. Here, we've compiled a list of some of the most stunning libraries worldwide.

George Peabody Library, located in Baltimore

Affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, this grand, five-story library houses 300,000 books. While it belongs to the university, the library is open to all residents of Baltimore, thanks to its namesake, George Peabody, a renowned philanthropist. It's also situated near the Baltimore Washington Monument (distinct from the one on the National Mall) in the Mount Vernon-Belvedere area.

Central Library of Vancouver, Canada

This renowned library resembles the Roman Colosseum. With nine floors, it occupies an entire city block in Vancouver and houses 2.3 million items, including books, e-books, CDs, DVDs, newspapers, and magazines. It also features exhibition spaces, a theater, meeting and reading rooms, and even a rooftop garden.

The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, New York Public Library, New York

While the New York Public Library has numerous branches, the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is often referred to as the Main Branch, located on Fifth Avenue near Bryant Park. The building is especially renowned for its ornate marble exterior and the majestic lion statues that stand sentinel at the foot of the steps.

Bodleian Library, Oxford, England

Oxford boasts many remarkable libraries, but Bodleian resembles an ancient cathedral. With roots tracing back to the 14th century, it houses over 13 million items, including Shakespeare's First Folio, a Gutenberg Bible, and Charles Darwin's "On the Origin of Species."

Library of Trinity College, Dublin

This iconic library features two stories adorned with dark wooden arches and boasts an impressive collection exceeding seven million volumes. The oldest section, known as the Old Library, began construction in 1712, although the college itself predates this. It houses many ancient texts, including "The Book of Kells," "The Book of Durrow," and "The Garland of Howth." The main hall, called the Long Room, is home to 200,000 old books and 14 busts of notable thinkers and writers such as Jonathan Swift, Shakespeare, and Aristotle.

Stuttgart City Library, Stuttgart, Germany

This cube-shaped library may not boast the opulence of some older, grander structures, but it's undoubtedly one of the most captivating. Its bright, white, five-story design resembles a modern art gallery. The standout feature is the main reading room, which is uniquely shaped like an upside-down pyramid. 

Bibliotheque Interuniversitaire de la Sorbonne, Paris

This historic library is affiliated with the renowned Sorbonne at the University of Paris. Constructed in the 18th century, it has evolved into one of the largest libraries in Paris, housing two million volumes across diverse subjects, particularly history, geography, philosophy, and French literature. The Saint-Jacques Reading Room is a stunning highlight, featuring rich wooden walls adorned in mint green and cream tones.

Admont Abbey Library, located in Admont, Austria

This stunning library opened its doors in 1776. It is part of the oldest surviving monastery in Styria, Austria, and houses the largest monastic library in the world. The bright white and gold interiors are adorned with exquisite frescoes by Bartolomeo Altomonte and sculptures by Josef Stammel, both notable Baroque artists.

Strahov Monastery Library, Prague

Although the monastery has its origins in the 12th century, this beautiful library features an ornate stucco ceiling adorned with Biblical artwork and was constructed in 1679. It not only holds several thousand volumes of books but also serves as a magnificent art gallery that is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Prague.

Royal Library of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Spain

This stunning space is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s clear why. This library may be one of the most significant locations of the Spanish Renaissance. Like many historic European libraries, it originated as a monastery and is renowned for its exquisite frescoes painted on the ceiling for visitors to admire.

Royal Portuguese Reading Room, Rio de Janeiro

It's fitting that "royal" is part of this library's name, as it truly is a place worthy of a king or queen. The striking limestone facade is complemented by intricate dark wood arches, stunning stained glass windows, and vibrant blue ceilings, creating a sanctuary for book lovers. With 350,000 volumes available, you could easily spend an entire day here.

Library of Alexandria, Egypt

Julius Caesar may have destroyed the legendary ancient library of Alexandria, but today, Egypt honors that remarkable monument of the past. The circular granite structure may not resemble the original library as described in history, but it is undeniably stunning, adorned with carvings by local artists and encircled by a tranquil blue reflecting pool.

Rampur Raza Library, Rampur, India

The impressive structure that now serves as a library was originally built in 1904 as a mansion for Nawab Hamid Ali Khan, later transformed into a library in the 1950s. This palace-like library boasts an extraordinary collection of Indian and Asian works, including manuscripts, historical documents, Islamic calligraphy, and even an original parchment manuscript of the Quran.

Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, Taiwan 

Taiwan's first green library, this building features a sloping turf roof that collects rainwater for recycling in its operations, along with photovoltaic cells that harness solar energy. However, you might find it easy to overlook its eco-friendly features when you step inside the light-filled, airy spaces filled with an impressive array of newspapers, periodicals, Chinese-language books, and special collections. Surrounded by lush greenery, this glass-and-wood oasis feels like a paradise for book lovers as much as it looks like one.

State Library of New South Wales, Sydney

While the exterior of the State Library boasts a modern design, the interior is richly ornate, classic, and strikingly beautiful. This library is especially valuable for those interested in exploring Australian heritage and history, housing a significant collection of works by indigenous authors, with a focus on pre-European settlement literature.

Abbey Library of Saint Gall, St. Gallen, Switzerland

Regarded as one of the oldest surviving libraries in Europe, this library was originally part of a Benedictine abbey. The current location boasts intricate moldings, Baroque elements, and Rococo art, all deserving of hours of admiration, just like the library's impressive collection amassed over 12 centuries.  

Biblioteca Vasconcelos, Mexico City

This steel and glass giant appears as though it belongs in a Kubrick film rather than in the heart of downtown Mexico City. You can explore its six open, mezzanine-style levels, housing 600,000 volumes. Dominating the main floor is "Matrix Móvil," a massive plastic sculpture of a gray whale created by artist Gabriel Orozco.  

Starfield Library, Seoul, South Korea

At first glance, you might mistake this contemporary space for a bookstore—especially since it's situated within a mall—but it is indeed a public library. The bright, two-story area is adorned with towering, wraparound bookshelves and captivating rotating art displays, including festive decorations and painted stacks of books that form delightful illustrations. With ample seating, iPads, and over 50,000 books, this remarkable library has plenty to offer visitors.  

Mafra National Palace Library, Mafra, Portugal

Boasting intricately carved wooden shelves and a grand, arched ceiling, the Mafra Palace Library embodies the classic, storybook library aesthetic. This enchanting space houses around 36,000 leather-bound volumes that can be appreciated during palace tours. Adding to its gothic allure is a unique staff: a colony of bats that play a crucial role in managing bookworms, moths, and other pests that threaten the delicate, ancient texts. While you may not spot them during your visit since they are nocturnal, many bats rest behind the shelves, ensuring their silent guardianship.  

Vennesla Library, Vennesla, Norway

Not every stunning library is a Baroque relic from the past. Completed in 2011, this Norwegian library showcases a sleek, modern design that has earned architectural accolades for its flowing contours. This eco-friendly, low-energy structure features wooden ribs and inset lighting, creating a bright, inviting environment that offers a glimpse into the future of libraries rather than just their historical forms.