7 beautiful libraries you can visit around the world

[AriMar]

International Literacy Day is celebrated worldwide on September 8. The day shines a spotlight on the importance of making literacy accessible for all. It’s also an opportunity to inspire students, empower educators, and share our love for reading.

To celebrate the beauty of books, we’re highlighting reviews and photos Local Guides like you have shared of amazing libraries around the world.

1. Public Library Stuttgart in Stuttgart, Germany

Caption: A photo of the interior of the Public Library Stuttgart Stuttgart, Germany that shows many different levels connected by white staircases. Each level has wall-to-wall bookshelves filled with books. (Local Guide Юра Козырев)

Local Guides say: “From first impression it looked like a bit boring from the outside. I could not have been more wrong. The design throughout the building is high-tech and visitor friendly. I could spend hours here. Very clearly designed for patrons, community members, and visitors alike. Even games and artworks can be lent out! The children's area is very family friendly.” -Local Guide Sarah-Rose Wentling

2. Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., United States

Caption: A photo of the Main Reading Room at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., United States. The room is filled with arches, statues, and wooden tables. (Local Guide Eddie Moy)

Local Guides say: “This is heaven for book lovers! Seeing Jefferson's personal collection of books is a unique experience. The art work on the ceilings is breathtaking and the quotes written on the walls are inspiring. Mosaic work in the walls, floors, and ceilings is superb. A must see!” -Local Guide Samantha deManbey

3. The Baroque Library at The Clementinum in Prague, Czech Republic  

Caption: A photo of the Baroque Library at The Clementinum, a historic site in Prague, Czech Republic. The ornate ceiling is decorated with frescoes that depict Jesuit saints. Bookshelves line the walls and a globe can be seen in the distance. (Local Guide TheHeuteCher)

Local Guides say: “Definitely worth the time, money and the exhaustion of climbing up the steps. The baroque library is one of the most breathtaking views ever even if you have to see it from a distance.” -Local Guide Nischala Raju

4. The National Library of China in Beijing, China

Caption: A photo of the interior of The National Library of China in Beijing, China that shows multiple levels filled with wooden tables with people reading at them. A large square shape is cut out of the center of each floor so that you can see the level below it. The walls of each level are lined with bookshelves. (Local Guide Kaiji Sun)Local Guides say: “If you are traveling to Beijing, China, it is a place you want to visit. The National Library of China is the first library in Asia and the third largest in the world. This library has 26 million collections!” -Local Guide 네이버블로거_쭈니아빠

5. State Central Library in Karnataka, India

Caption: A photo of the interior of the State Central Library in Karnataka, India that shows two large, curved bookshelves in the center of the space. In between them, there are tables and a front desk for those who work there to sit. The walls of the space are filled with additional wall to wall bookshelves. (Local Guide Mayur Panchamia)Local Guides say: “With its instantly recognisable bright brick red walls and its central location within the lush green of Cubbon Park, this is one of the city’s biggest cultural sites and landmarks. The biggest library in the State, its shelves are packed with everything from periodical publications to books in braille, so if it’s knowledge you seek, you’ve come to the right place. With a lifeline of over a 100 years, the library’s brick red walls have seen a century of growth and change in the city and have their own story to tell, apart from the many in their books, that is.” -Local Guide Kausik Roy

6. Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  

Caption: A photo of the interior of Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, a library in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The ornate library has dark wall to ceiling bookshelves, a large chandelier in the center of the room, and a skylight. (Renan William Candido)Local Guides say: “Wow wow wow wow! One of the best places that I’ve ever visited and also off of the tourist map so expect the place to yourself! Such a regal and beautiful library with stunning architecture and walls lined with the most elegant leather bound books. Make sure you make a stop here.” -Local Guide David M

7. Biblioteca Vasconcelos in Mexico City, Mexico

Caption: A photo of the interior of Biblioteca Vasconcelos, a library in Mexico City, Mexico, that shows a vast array of mismatched floors with transparent walls filled with bookshelves. (Local Guide David Nieto)

Local Guides say: “Nicknamed the ‘megalibrary’ by the Mexican press, this giant library takes up a whopping 409,000 square feet, making it large enough to dwarf the painted gray whale skeleton displayed inside the main hallway. Outside of the library is an impressive botanical garden that protects the building from the loud city streets, providing a moat for this castle of knowledge. Inside, over 500,000 books are displayed on glass shelves hanging from the five stories of the building. The end result is as striking as it is stunning.” -Local Guide Joao Cesar Escossia

Have you written a great review about a library you loved? Or posted a photo of it on Google Maps? Share a link to it in the comments below.  

[Puiness]

Thank you, that looks great. I would visit all of them they look amazing. 

[Stephydubs]

I just recently visted the Boston Public Library in USA, it was stunning!!

I am always amazed by how much work goes into these places and yet rarely do I have them described as places to visit overseas 

They are definitely worth a trip 🙂

Thanks for listing some more to check out!

[Iceeatfood]

All the library is large and beautiful! Amazing! 

[mrcwojcik]

Look on library in European Solidarity Center in Gdansk. This is awesome too 🙂

[JoeZhao]

Awesome!!!!!

You can also see this.

From Taiwan.

Kaohsiung Main Public Library

[Anonymous]

thanks @AriMar

this is great informative post I am impressed with the Library of Congress Washington as it has the huge books record in the world and also others library of the world you described. 

[Victoria_v]

I really liked the library on the ship Queen Victoria. For a cruise ship it is very large - two floors and 6000 books. And it is very beautiful, made in the classic English traditions.

[Chesoli]

I love the beautiful idea. I call it thinking out of the box.

[Chesoli]

So nice.